TikTok has expanded its $2.3 million global Mental Health Education Fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a significant milestone in the platform’s commitment to supporting mental well-being and digital safety across the continent.
The announcement was made on Thursday at TikTok’s first Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg, convening policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders from across Sub-Saharan Africa.
At the summit, delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and beyond gathered to advance shared efforts in promoting mental wellness and digital safety on the platform.
According to TikTok in a statement, the summit served as a forum for open dialogue around online safety, digital literacy, and the integration of expert support within digital platforms.
As part of the event, TikTok announced a suite of new tools and partnerships—most notably, the expansion of its $2.3 million global Mental Health Education Fund to include Sub-Saharan Africa.
This expansion, it noted, also included the rollout of in-app local helplines across select African countries, and the global launch of an industry-first guided meditation experience for all users.
Commitment to Community Well-being
Among the key highlights was the extension of TikTok’s Mental Health Education Fund to support African organisations for the first time. The initiative aims to empower local groups to create evidence-based, culturally relevant content that addresses mental health issues, combats stigma, and encourages open conversation.
The inaugural African recipients are the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and the Mental360 in Kenya.
These organisations will receive financial and platform support to deliver impactful content tailored to African communities.
Globally, the Fund, launched in 2023, has already driven over 173 million content impressions, helped generate over 600,000 new followers, and recruited 486 volunteers, supported by a total of $7.3 million in ad credit donations.
Expanding In-App Helplines Across Africa
Following successful implementation in Europe, TikTok is rolling out in-app helpline resources in selected African countries.
These tools offer immediate access to expert mental health support when users report content related to self-harm, suicide, bullying, or harassment.
Through partnerships with established local organisations, it disclosed that users will have access to free counselling, crisis support, and other essential services.
While TikTok continues to review and remove content that violates its Community Guidelines, this added support ensures users can seek personal assistance as needed.
A Groundbreaking Meditation Tool for Young Users
Reinforcing its digital well-being efforts, TikTok also announced the global release of its guided meditation feature as part of its “Sleep Hours” in-app experience.
Automatically enabled at 22:00 for users under 18, the feature provides structured meditation sessions to encourage better sleep habits and emotional regulation.
Piloted in March 2025, this feature is the first of its kind on any major social media platform. Research indicates that mindfulness and meditation significantly improve sleep quality, particularly for adolescents dealing with the emotional demands of digital life.
“People turn to TikTok to learn, share, and connect. We’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital well-being but also provide a safe and empowering space for users, particularly the youth, to navigate complex emotions,” said Valiant Richey, Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, TikTok.
Introducing Mental Health Ambassadors Across Africa
TikTok also unveiled its first cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network, committed to providing credible, accessible mental health guidance across the platform.
The ambassadors include Sanam Naran (South Africa), Dr Claire Kinuthia (Kenya), Doctor Wales (Nigeria), and Doctor Siya (South Africa).
These individuals will contribute educational and motivational content to further promote mental well-being throughout the region.
Advancing Digital Safety Through Collaboration
The Summit reinforced TikTok’s broader vision of tackling digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy. The platform’s approach, blending advanced safety tools, expert partnerships, and grassroots engagement, continues to position it as a leader in responsible digital innovation on the continent.
“We applaud the private sector’s proactive efforts to foster digital literacy and create safer online environments. These efforts reflect a shared responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities, and connect young people with meaningful digital opportunities,” said Hon. Minister Siviwe Gwarube, South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education.
“At Spectra, we are thrilled to partner with TikTok to promote digital well-being. Technology should uplift humanity and ensure safety at every point of contact. Our collaboration reflects a shared vision for safe, inclusive, and innovative digital spaces,” added Yusuf Akoojee, Marketing Director, Spectra.
