TikTok has announced the expansion of its $2.3 million global mental health fund and in-app support services across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
TikTok created the Mental Health Education Fund in 2023 to support organisations in creating authoritative, engaging, and uplifting mental health content. Globally, the fund has so far helped organisations gain more than 173 million impressions on their content, more than 600,000 new followers for their accounts, prompted more than 200,000 web visits, and helped recruit 486 new volunteers, thanks to a combined \$7.3 million in ad credit donations.
The $2.3 million support fund was announced at the Digital Well-Being Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The summit brought together policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders across SSA.
Delegates from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and others gathered to further strengthen efforts to support and protect community well-being on the platform.
The summit provided a platform for open dialogue on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy and access to experts, and fostering a balanced online environment.
A comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships was introduced, including expanded local in-app helplines and an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users. The event also spotlighted ongoing efforts such as TikTok’s #MentalHealthMatters campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices across the globe. Together, these actions are designed to support balanced digital habits, providing communities with access to reliable information.
Speaking at the summit, Minister of Basic Education, South Africa, Siviwe Gwarube, said: “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.”
As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok in March 2025 introduced a guided meditation experience in Sleep Hours, an in-app well-being experience automatically enabled at 11 p.m. for all users under the age of 18.
Research shows that mindful meditation can improve sleep quality, helping young users wind down and build healthier night-time routines.
TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey, said: “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.”
With this expansion, three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients, including 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 develop locally relevant, evidence-based content that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages open dialogue around mental health in African communities.
As part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO), TikTok has officially introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network.
The inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes Sanam Naran (South Africa), Dr. Claire Kinuthia (Kenya), Doctor Wales (Nigeria), and Doctor Siya (South Africa).
The Digital Well-Being Summit underscores TikTok’s broader strategy to proactively address digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy.
