TikTok has launched its STEM feed in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a dedicated hub for science, technology, engineering, and math content. Designed to inspire curiosity and learning, this feature aims to transform the platform into a global educational resource.
What Is the TikTok STEM Feed?
The STEM feed in Sub-Saharan Africa curates videos from verified experts, offering bite-sized lessons on topics like robotics, astrophysics, and coding. Rolled out in November 2024, it’s now available in over 20 SSA countries. Users can access it alongside the “For You” page, ensuring seamless discovery of educational content.
TikTok reports that 25% of teens in the UK, US, Canada, and Ireland engage with the STEM feed weekly. Building on this success, the platform has expanded it globally and added multilingual support (French, German, Spanish, Italian, Arabic).
Why It Matters for Sub-Saharan Africa
With 1 billion global users, TikTok’s STEM feed in Sub-Saharan Africa addresses a critical need:
- Youth Education: Over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, making STEM literacy vital for economic growth.
- Digital Inclusion: The feed democratizes access to quality education in regions with limited resources.
- Creator Opportunities: African educators and tech enthusiasts can showcase expertise to a global audience.
Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok’s Head of Content Operations for SSA, states:
“#STEMTok expands discovery beyond entertainment. It empowers users to learn coding, explore planetary science, or grasp complex equations.”
How the STEM Feed Works
All content is vetted by Common Sense Networks (age-appropriateness) and Poynter Institute (fact-checking). Since its launch:
- STEM-related videos increased by 18% globally.
- Over 10 million STEM videos have been published in three years.
Top STEM Creators to Follow in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Aisha Bande (@chemistrywithaishabande): Simplifies chemistry for Nigerian students.
- Mpho T Makhema (@mphokatmakhema): South African math teacher for grades R-12.
- Eric Mwaura (@profmwaura01): Kenyan creator exploring gravity, time perception, and biblical science.
- UcheOflagos (@UcheOflagos): Nigerian coding tutor empowering future programmers.
- Samkelo Mhlophe (@thishawakutiktok): South African teacher turning DNA into viral songs.
For more creators, explore TikTok’s #STEMTok hashtag.
Impact on Education and Communities
- Students: Access free, engaging lessons on tough topics like mobile data optimization (@duncanzz) or exam prep (@homework_help365_days).
- Parents: Trust vetted content over random trends.
- Educators: Build communities, like Nigeria’s First Class Lower (@first_class_lower), who simplifies science for everyday life.
Challenges and Future Goals
While the STEM feed in Sub-Saharan Africa is a leap forward, challenges remain:
- Internet Access: Only 40% of SSA has reliable connectivity.
- Language Barriers: More local languages (e.g., Swahili, Yoruba) are needed.
TikTok plans to partner with African universities and NGOs to scale impact, mirroring the success of #BookTok (47 million videos) and #LearnOnTikTok.
