TikTok has launched its first-ever Digital Well-being Summit in Sub-Saharan Africa, convening a broad coalition of mental health professionals, policymakers, NGOs, and tech industry players to explore strategies for improving digital safety and promoting mental wellness on social media platforms.

Held in Johannesburg, the summit attracted delegates from at least seven African countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe. Discussions centered on enhancing online safety tools, strengthening digital literacy, and improving access to mental health resources, particularly for younger users.

Among the key announcements was the expansion of TikTok’s $2.3 million Mental Health Education Fund to Africa.

The initiative, originally launched in 2023, will now support three organisations on the continent: the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360.

These groups will receive funding and platform support to produce localised, evidence-based content aimed at destigmatising mental health issues.

TikTok also announced a wider rollout of in-app mental health helplines across several African countries.

The service previously piloted in Europe will provide users with direct access to local psychological support when reporting harmful content, such as material related to self-harm, harassment, or suicide.

A new in-app meditation feature, introduced globally in March, was also highlighted at the summit. Designed primarily for users under 18, the "Sleep Hours" feature activates at 10:00 p.m. to guide users through meditation sessions intended to promote better sleep hygiene and emotional well-being.

“We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment,” said South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, who participated in the summit.

“This reflects a shared responsibility to empower communities and equip young people for the digital world.”

In another move, TikTok introduced a cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors drawn from the WHO Fides Network. The group includes health professionals from South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria who will contribute expert-led content on the platform.

TikTok officials say the summit is part of a broader push to address the mental health challenges associated with social media use, especially among adolescents.

“We want to empower our community particularly young people with tools and support to navigate online life safely,” said Valiant Richey, TikTok’s Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach.

The summit also reflected TikTok’s continued investment in mental health, a priority the platform actively pursues through local partnerships and community-driven initiatives, according to Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, TikTok.