By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The parent company for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, Meta, has released a report highlighting some major milestones it recorded in 2023 in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The report also showcased some ongoing significant investments and works the firm is undergoing across the region.
With a focus on connecting communities, supporting the creator ecosystem, and driving innovation, Meta has strategically directed resources toward initiatives that align with its mission to give people the power to build communities and bring the world closer together.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are thrilled to announce our key milestones and investments across Sub-Saharan Africa,” the Communications Director for Africa Middle East & Turkey at Meta, Kezia Anim-Addo, stated.
“We remain committed to the continent, and our 2023 highlights reinforce some of the impact we’ve been able to create by supporting the growing ecosystems of creators and building communities through technology,” Anim-Addo added.
In the period under review, the firm said it launched the Creator Lab Live, a first-of-its-kind educational in-real-life programme for creators in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa to inspire creativity, spread positivity, build connections and demonstrate care for the creator community.
Also, it introduced the Instagram Creators x Brand Academy nano course in South Africa in partnership with Red and Yellow (Creative School of Business), a short course to educate creators, aspiring creators and brands on best practices.
Further, it unveiled the Made by Africa, Loved by the World campaign to amplify the voices and stories of eight emerging young talents across Africa who are building a global presence, and changing the way the continent and its people are viewed on the international stage including rolling out Instagram #AfricaMade Reels challenge.
In addition, Meta launched WhatsApp Channels content series through collaboration with local content creators in SSA to showcase the benefits of WhatsApp Channels for users.
The other initiatives introduced in the year included EbaSafeOnline, Youth Safety and Wellbeing, My Digital World, African XR Realities Lab, and Meta Connect 2023, a digital campaign in collaboration with Nigerian creators to produce captivating content in anticipation of the annual Meta Connect conference.