TikTok has taken a bold step toward promoting digital safety and mental well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa, hosting its first-ever Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg.
The summit brought together an influential mix of policymakers, mental health professionals, non-profits, and tech industry leaders from across the continent — including delegates from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Designed as a collaborative platform, the summit sparked vital conversations around safer online spaces, the promotion of digital literacy, and the integration of mental health support tools directly within TikTok’s platform.
At the heart of the summit was the introduction of several innovative features and partnerships aimed at promoting healthier digital habits. These include the expansion of TikTok’s global $2.3 million Mental Health Education Fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, a new in-app meditation experience available to all users, and expanded local in-app helplines offering real-time support for issues like self-harm, bullying, and harassment.
Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, emphasized the platform’s evolving role:
“We’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community—especially young users—with a safe, supportive space to navigate complex emotions.”
One of the most notable innovations unveiled was TikTok’s guided meditation tool, embedded within its “Sleep Hours” feature. Automatically enabled for users under the age of 18 at 10 PM, the feature provides a calming experience to help young people unwind and build healthier nighttime routines. Older users can opt into the feature, which was piloted globally in March 2025. The initiative is grounded in research linking mindfulness to improved sleep quality and emotional regulation, offering much-needed support for teens facing the pressures of a hyper-connected digital world.
Further affirming its commitment to the region, TikTok announced that three Sub-Saharan organisations have been selected as the first recipients of support from the expanded Mental Health Education Fund. These include the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360. The selected organisations will receive funding and platform support to create locally relevant, evidence-based mental health content. The Fund, established in 2023, has already helped organisations globally achieve more than 173 million content impressions and attract over 600,000 followers.
TikTok also revealed plans to roll out in-app helplines across African countries, building on successful pilot projects in Europe. These helplines will offer direct access to expert assistance for users who report content related to suicide, self-harm, hate speech, and harassment. In addition to enforcing its Community Guidelines, TikTok aims to ensure that users can connect with trained professionals for timely, personal support.
Adding to its broader mental health advocacy, TikTok introduced a new group of verified Mental Health Ambassadors in partnership with the World Health Organization’s Fides Network. This inaugural cohort features respected voices from across the continent, including Sanam Naran and Doctor Siya from South Africa, Dr. Claire Kinuthia from Kenya, and Doctor Wales from Nigeria. These ambassadors will play a vital role in destigmatizing mental health conversations online and sharing expert guidance with millions of users.
South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Hon. Siviwe Gwarube, praised TikTok’s leadership in the digital space, stating, “We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment. These efforts demonstrate a shared responsibility to empower communities and connect young people to the digital world.”
TikTok’s inaugural Digital Well-being Summit is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a clear statement of intent. Through investment, innovation, and meaningful collaboration, the platform is charting a new course for digital engagement in Africa, one that places mental health, safety, and community empowerment at its core.
ALSO READ:
As mental health challenges rise globally, TikTok’s latest efforts set a powerful precedent for what responsible, empathetic digital leadership can look like.
