#AfricaDay: Meta spotlights 8 big stories

Eight creators, innovators and small businesses who are changing the way Africa is viewed on the international stage are in the Meta spotlight on Africa Day, 25 May. The company that owns Facebook has revived a global campaign called Made by Africa, Loved by the World, first launched in 2021, and aimed at amplifying the voices and stories of people and businesses from across Africa.

As part of the on-platform and marketing campaign, Meta has partnered with local filmmakers to bring to life eight phenomenal stories. The campaign includes an Instagram campaign featuring partnerships with African content creators, a community Reels challenge, the development of a specially designed AR filter inspired by #AfricaMade, and a series of free open virtual training sessions via the Meta Africa page, dedicated to small businesses and creators from across Africa.

“This campaign is about showcasing the incredible talent we have here on the continent, and the African people and businesses that are not only contributing to the global agenda but are forging their own paths,” says Kezia Anim-Addo, communications director for Meta for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Short Films: Made by Africa, Loved by the World 

Meta has partnered with five local filmmakers: Tarryn Crossman (South Africa), Kofi Awuah (Ghana), Joan Kabugu (Kenya), Bardia Olowu (Nigeria) and Nelson Makengo (DRC). The series of short films will live on a dedicated Africa Day microsite and focus on the stories of:                          

• Trevor Stuurman (South Africa): An award-winning contemporary multimedia visual artist who has cemented himself as a creative force to be reckoned with, collaborating with international brands and global stars
• Ferre Gola (DRC): An award-winning Congolese musician who has earned international accolades as a true icon of Congolese rumba
• Mosope Olaosebikan (Nigeria): Founder of Africa’s first digital museum devoted to shaping the narrative of culture and people using immersive and innovative methods of curation such as AR/VR
• Rich Mnisi (South Africa): A contemporary multi-disciplinary brand specialising in high-end fashion and furniture designs, with his clothing featured in global media outlets and his designs worn by global names
• Selina Beb (Ghana): A multiple award-winning fashion brand specialising in African inspired accessories and clothes
• Black Rhino VR (Kenya): An award-winning Extended Reality Agency working with local and international brands
• Bonita Foods (Nigeria): A healthy snacks company producing a range of delicious snacks from fruits, nuts and vegetables, with a global footprint across the UK, USA and Germany
• Pixel Chefs (South Africa): An innovative creative agency, using emerging digital tech to create immersive impactful experiences for both local and global clients

Celebrating Africa Day on Instagram

Instagram will celebrate and highlight the talent and diversity of the African continent:

• Instagram AR Filter: Partnering with a South African immersive digital solutions company (Pixel Chefs)  to create an interactive AR filter to provide the Instagram community with a tool to celebrate the occasion, with the vibrancy and liveliness of Africa at the heart.
• Instagram Reels Challenge: Working with content creators from across Africa and the diaspora, Instagram will launch a Reels community challenge under the hashtag #ShareYourAfrica, encouraging its community to celebrate and share with the world what’s uniquely authentic and African to them, whether fashion, music, food or dance.  
• African Designers Guide: Throughout the week of Africa Day and beyond, Instagram has invited @mizliz, the founder of @offtomag, to highlight 12 African designers and artists who are forging their own paths and redefining culture in the process
• IG Creators Q&A with DanceGod Llyod on 25th May: Continuing to spotlight African creators, Instagram will host a live Q&A with Ghanaian dancer sensation and content creator DanceGod Lloyd

Free Virtual Training Sessions

Meta will host a number of free open training sessions throughout the week via the Meta Africa page, focused on providing other upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs with the digital know-how to take their ideas global. Training topics include:

• Reels school: Learn all about Reels on Facebook and Instagram, as well as top tips and best practices to help connect with more people
• Cross Border Business: Discover how to explore different markets, reach new customers, localise marketing and optimise campaigns
• Monetisation 101: Discover ways to monetise owned content on Facebook and Instagram, as well as learn more about best practices and eligibility requirements
• Branded Content – Get future-ready: Find out more about creator marketing on Meta platforms including best practices, creative tips, and media and measurement guidance.
• Step into AR: Dip into the world of the Metaverse through the lens of Augmented Reality (AR) and explore the what, why and how of AR to help create incredible AR experiences people will love

Meta Culture Series

As an extension of the Metaverse Culture Series Black Future experience exploring embedding Black culture, creativity and community, Meta will host a fireside chat with Ime Archibong, Head of New Product Experimentation at Meta, Dylan Fiala (Co-Founder of Pixel Chefs), Winifred Isichei (Founder of Bonita Foods) and diaspora based Walla El Sheikh (Birthright Africa). Hosted on Meta Africa FB Page, the conversations will focus around early innovation and adoption across the continent, and how this has contributed to global trends, whilst exploring what the world can learn about African Culture.