Meta Launches its ‘Africa Year in Review’ for 2021
Meta today released its ‘2021 Africa Year in Review,’ an infographic that highlights some of the company’s significant investments and initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa this year, with a focus on driving innovation, connecting communities, assisting businesses in growing, and supporting the tech and creator ecosystem.
The infographic highlights key Meta achievements and milestones across the region, while also reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to Africa. Download Infographic here
“This year we’ve witnessed an abundance of talent, growth, and resilience from across Africa, despite the many challenges due to the ongoing COVID pandemic,” said Kezia Anim-Addo, Director for Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa.
It’s been inspiring to see the growth of various communities, ranging from creators to SMBs and tech innovators, many of whom are utilizing Meta technologies to grow and develop their craft. We believe Meta is at the crossroads of innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and social connection, and we’re excited about the continent’s future and Meta’s ongoing role in unlocking Africa’s potential.”
The following are some of the most important 2021 Meta Africa Year in Review highlights:
Facebook Marketplace: Facebook Marketplace has been rolled out to 37 countries and territories in Sub-Saharan Africa, allowing more people to discover, buy, and sell items from others in their local communities.
Digital Literacy Trainings: In eight countries, over 65,000 people were trained in digital literacy, with a focus on online safety, privacy, news, media literacy, and digital citizenship.
2Africa & 2Africa Pearl: In collaboration with eight local and global partners, announced the establishment of new branches and a new segment of the subsea cable known as ‘2Africa Pearls,’ which now connects three continents — Africa, Europe, and Asia — making it the longest subsea cable system ever developed at more than 45,000 kilometers.
Economic Impact Trainings: We have trained over 80,000 SMBs in 13 countries through our economic impact programs, including Meta Boost (formerly Boost with Facebook) and SheMeansBusiness; and we have graduated 338 young people through the Digify Pro program, with nearly 70% of them getting jobs.
Blood Donations: Now available in 12 Sub-Saharan African countries, over 3.9 million Facebook users in these countries have signed up to receive blood donation notifications from local blood donation centers.
Instagram Lite: Instagram Lite for Android was introduced, as well as its availability in Swahili, Oromo, and Amharic.
Made in Africa, Loved Around the World: A global campaign highlighting eight African creatives and businesses from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon celebrated Africa’s growing cultural impact on the world.
2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program: The winners of the 2021 Facebook Community Accelerator Program, which includes 13 community leaders from Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, have been announced. They will receive training, mentorship, and up to $50,000 USD in funds to invest in their community.
Instagram Reel Ads in 25 African Countries: Instagram Reel Ads have been expanded to 25 African countries with the Reels feature, allowing businesses on Instagram to reach larger audiences and allowing people to discover inspiring new content from brands and creators.
SMB WhatsApp Bot: We launched ‘Facebook Business Coach’ on WhatsApp, an innovative and simple way for SMBs in English-speaking Africa to learn more about growing their business on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Africa Without a Filter & Meta Virtual Reality Fund: Announced the launch of the grants and mentoring program “Future Africa: Telling Stories, Building Worlds,” with the goal of increasing the use of Virtual Reality in African storytelling and assisting in the shift of negative stereotypes about the continent.
