Through these efforts, TikTok is not just promoting digital safety but also actively contributing to mental health awareness and support across Africa, setting a new standard for global social platforms.

As Africa experiences a boom in digital connectivity and online activity, TikTok held its first-ever African Summit on Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health, bringing together mental health experts, NGOs, content creators, and institutional representatives.

Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the event, announced June 27, 2025, is part of the platform’s push to promote healthier and more responsible use of social networks while addressing mental health challenges faced by young Africans in today’s increasingly connected world.

With over 150 million (189.3M per Intelpoint data) monthly active users in Africa, TikTok has firmly established itself as a major player on the continent’s digital scene. Recognizing its influence on behavior, especially among teenagers and young adults, the company is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness around mental health issues and create safer online spaces.

The summit aimed to raise awareness about the effects of excessive social media use on mental health, promote healthy and responsible use of TikTok among young people, and create a safer, more supportive digital environment for African youth. Discussions covered topics such as screen time management and digital dependency, cyberbullying and online social pressures, the impact of algorithms on self-image, and ways to promote educational, positive, and culturally relevant content.

Key stakeholders involved included mental health professionals from the World Health Organization’s Fides Network. NGOs such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI), and Kenya’s Mental360 also took part, along with influential African content creators, including psychologists and doctors serving as new Mental Health Ambassadors.

During the summit, TikTok announced several major commitments. These included strengthening moderation, safety, and parental control tools on the platform, expanding the #MentalHealthMatters campaign across Africa (which has already inspired over 6.5 million posts globally), and launching a new Mental Health Education Fund to support local initiatives. Selected NGOs will receive funding and training to create culturally relevant mental health content and reach wider audiences.

In addition, TikTok is expanding in-app mental health helpline resources across Africa, connecting users directly to local support organizations in countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, Namibia, Mauritius, and Malawi. Through these efforts, TikTok aims to empower young Africans to use social media more mindfully while building stronger, safer, and more supportive digital communities across the continent.

As more young people come online in Africa, they face increased exposure to misinformation, cyberbullying, and mental health challenges. The Digital Well-Being Summit and TikTok’s expanded mental health initiatives come at a critical time for Africa’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.

These efforts not only protect vulnerable users but also empower young people to engage online more confidently, supporting broader goals for digital inclusion, youth development, and community resilience across Africa. By taking a leadership role in mental health and online safety, TikTok demonstrates social responsibility and positions itself as a platform that genuinely cares about user well-being.

Hikmatu Bilali