Meta today released its "2021 Africa Year in Review," an infographic showcasing its key investments and initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa this year. In 2021, Meta focused on driving innovation, helping businesses grow, supporting the technology and creator ecosystem, and connecting communities. The infographic highlights Meta's successes and milestones in the region as part of its ongoing commitment to Africa.
Kezia Anim-Addo, Meta's communications director for Sub-Saharan Africa, said: "This year, we have seen an abundance of talent, growth, and resilience across Africa, despite the many challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been inspired by the emergence of diverse communities, from creators to SMEs and tech innovators, many of whom are using Meta technologies to grow and improve. We believe Meta is at the intersection of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and social connection, and we are excited about the future of the continent and Meta's continued role in helping to unlock Africa's potential."
Here are some of the highlights from Meta's 2021 in Africa:
- Facebook Marketplace: Rolled out Facebook Marketplace in 37 countries and territories in sub-Saharan Africa, enabling more people to discover, buy, and sell items from others in their communities.
- Digital literacy training: Digital literacy training focused on online safety, privacy, news, media literacy, and digital citizenship. More than 65,000 people were trained in eight countries.
- 2Africa & 2Africa Pearl: Together with eight local and global partners, we announced the creation of new branches and a new segment of the submarine cable called "2Africa Pearls," which now connects three continents—Africa, Europe, and Asia—making it the longest submarine cable system ever developed, at over 45,000 kilometers long.
- Economic Impact Training: Training for more than 80,000 SMEs in 13 countries through our economic impact programs, including Meta Boost (formerly Boost With Facebook) and #SheMeansBusiness. We also trained 338 young people through the Digify Pro program, nearly 70% of whom found employment.
- Blood donation feature: Now available in 12 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. More than 3.9 million Facebook users in Africa have signed up to receive blood donation notifications from local blood donation centers.
- Instagram Lite: Launch of Instagram Lite for Android and its availability in Swahili, Oromo, and Amharic.
- Made By Africa, Loved By The World: Celebrated Africa's growing cultural impact on the world through a global campaign featuring eight African creatives and businesses from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Gabon.
- 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program: Announcement of the winners of the 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program, featuring 13 community leaders from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, who will receive training, mentorship, and up to $50,000 USD in funds to invest in their communities.
- Instagram Reel Ads in 25 African countries: Expansion of Reels ads to African countries, allowing businesses on Instagram to reach a wider audience and users to discover new and inspiring content from brands and creators.
- SMB WhatsApp Bot: Launch of Facebook Business Coach on WhatsApp, an innovative and easy-to-access way for SMBs in English-speaking Africa to learn more about how to grow their business on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
- Africa No Filter Fund & Meta Virtual Reality: Announcement of the launch of the "Africa of the Future: Storytelling, Worldbuilding" grant and mentorship program aimed at stimulating the use of virtual reality in African storytelling and helping to eliminate negative stereotypes about the continent.
To learn more about Meta's investments and activities in sub-Saharan Africa in 2021, check out the infographic.
Press release