The African Union (AU) and TikTok, the popular video-sharing social networking platform, have teamed up to introduce the Safer Together campaign. This joint initiative aims to equip African youth with the necessary knowledge and resources to navigate the digital sphere securely.
Announced during the TikTok Safer Internet Summit held in Ghana, the campaign seeks to empower not just the youth of Africa but also parents and educators on digital safety. Prudence Ngwenya, the director of the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate at the AU Commission, praised this collaboration as a significant stride towards ensuring the digital well-being of Africa’s young generation.
Ngwenya emphasized the campaign’s alignment with the AU’s continuous endeavours to advocate for safe online experiences and mental well-being through initiatives like the One Million Next Level Initiative. This ambitious project aims to offer opportunities to 300 million African youth by 2030, spanning education, employment, entrepreneurship, health, and well-being.
While acknowledging the benefits of internet access for youth, Ngwenya stressed the importance of creating a secure online environment for them to leverage digital platforms effectively.
The Safer Together campaign features various in-app activities, including educational video content, hashtag challenges, endorsements by content creators, and notifications.
Furthermore, the initiative includes the provision of “Digital Safety Toolkits” to aid educators and guardians in addressing crucial digital safety topics. These toolkits are accessible through a dedicated microsite on TikTok, serving as an engaging guide to promoting safer online behaviours.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikTok’s government relations and public policy director for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the platform’s dedication to fostering a digitally safe ecosystem.
“Our partnership with the AU women, gender, and youth directorate underscores TikTok’s commitment to the diverse African markets,” Mgwili-Sibanda affirmed.
The AU and TikTok jointly pledged to cultivate a more inclusive and secure digital space for Africa’s youth. Through this partnership, they aim to empower young individuals with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the online world wisely and safely.
