"Africa’s Digital Economy: TikTok’s Rising Role"

How Africa Could Benefit from TikTok Ban in the US

TikTok continues to gain popularity among Africa's youth, with its influence spreading across the continent. On January 19, 2025, the social media platform faced a significant legal setback in the United States, after the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ban on the app. The court dismissed a request by its parent company, ByteDance, to reverse the decision, ruling that the ban did not violate the platform's or its users' rights as TikTok had argued.

The decision came just a day before President-elect Donald Trump's official inauguration on January 20, with Trump claiming that the fate of TikTok in the U.S. would be determined under his leadership.

TikTok's Impact in Africa

Across Africa, TikTok has not been without its challenges, with several governments expressing concerns over the app's potential impact on national security and societal values. Countries such as Senegal and Somalia have already implemented bans, while calls for similar action are being made in nations like Kenya.

Critics, including both private citizens and some African governments, cite national security risks and the potential erosion of societal norms as key reasons for these bans. TikTok has been accused of being a platform for spreading propaganda, facilitating scams, and promoting content deemed inappropriate.

Despite these concerns, TikTok remains widely used in Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, where the platform has a significant user base. According to the 2023 Reuters Digital Report, Kenya has 54% of its population using the app, with 29% of users turning to TikTok for news. Egypt and Nigeria also boast large user bases, with 33 million and 28 million users, respectively.

In August 2024, Kenya's Parliament rejected a proposal to ban TikTok following a complaint by a local citizen. Instead, the government opted to regulate content on the platform. In a subsequent meeting between President William Ruto and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, it was agreed that TikTok would open an office in Kenya to oversee content regulation more effectively.

Africa’s Changing Digital Landscape

Despite the growing concerns over national security, TikTok’s popularity continues to rise across Africa, especially among young people. Social media platforms like TikTok are not only used for entertainment but are also crucial tools for acquiring information and building economic opportunities.

TikTok has become a fertile ground for creativity, innovation, and even entrepreneurial endeavors, with many users using the platform to create and promote their businesses.

Moses Kemibaro, founder and CEO of Dotsavvy Africa and a technology analyst, suggests that the U.S. ban on TikTok could present an opportunity for African markets. He argues that the ban will eliminate access to valuable content for U.S. users, but more significantly, it may shift market dynamics. “The largest group of content creators and entrepreneurs in the U.S. will now be lost. This could open up a window of opportunity for other markets, including Africa,” he says.

Kemibaro further explains that the ban could lead TikTok to redirect its revenue and focus towards markets outside the U.S., particularly in regions like Africa, where content creators and influencers face challenges in monetizing their work effectively. He mentions that countries like the U.S. and India, which have already banned TikTok, could prompt the platform to look to emerging markets for new growth avenues.

Yusuph Kileo, a digital security expert and researcher, agrees with this perspective. “In Africa, the digital economy is booming, with many young people turning to TikTok as a platform for self-employment by recording and selling video content,” Kileo explains. He points out that should TikTok's focus shift to Africa, the continent could see significant financial benefits as the platform's content creators tap into new income streams.

However, Kileo also warns of potential political ramifications. He cautions that if major nations like the U.S. ban TikTok without infringing on free speech, African countries might reconsider their stance. "This could lead to other platforms facing similar restrictions, threatening freedom of expression in the process,” he concludes.