From Chinenye Anuforo
TikTok has announced the expansion of its $2.3 million global mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant step in the platform’s commitment to digital well-being across the continent.
The announcement came during TikTok’s inaugural Digital Well-being Summit held in Johannesburg, which convened policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders from across the region.
The summit, attended by delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe, focused on strengthening efforts to support community well-being on the platform. Discussions centred on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy, and fostering a balanced online environment.
As part of these initiatives, TikTok unveiled a comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships. Key among these is the extension of the global $2.3 million mental health fund, which will now directly benefit Sub-Saharan African organisations. Additionally, the platform is introducing expanded local in-app helplines and an industry-first meditation feature for all users. These actions are designed to promote balanced digital habits and provide communities with access to reliable mental health information.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa, commended the private sector’s role, stating, “We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector’s collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities, and connect young people to the digital world.”
A pioneering guided meditation experience called “Sleep Hours” has been introduced, automatically activating at 22:00 for users under 18, with the option for older users to enable it. Piloted in March 2025 and now available globally, this feature aims to improve sleep quality and promote healthier night-time routines for young users.
Valiant Richey, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, emphasised, “People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That’s why 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 explore and navigate complex emotions.”
Three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been named the inaugural regional recipients of the expanded fund: the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360. These organisations will receive funding and platform support to create locally relevant, evidence-based content aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open dialogue around mental health within African communities.
Since its inception in 2023, TikTok’s Mental Health Education Fund has globally assisted organisations in generating over 173 million impressions, gaining more than 600,000 new followers, prompting over 200,000 web visits, and recruiting 486 new volunteers, supported by a combined $7.3 million in ad credit donations.
Building on successful pilots in Europe, TikTok is also expanding in-app helpline resources across Africa. In the coming weeks, users in select African countries will gain access to local helplines providing expert support when reporting content related to suicide, self-harm, hate, and harassment. These helplines connect users with partners offering counselling, advice, and free psychological support.
Furthermore, TikTok announced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network, as part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).