The African creator economy is a rapidly growing force. With over 100 million content creators and a market worth billions of dollars, the African creator economy is poised for even greater growth in the years to come, however, there is a big problem, the average African content creator only earns $1,000 per year.
This is despite African creators producing high-quality content that rivals all other parts of the world. A report by the Content Marketing Institute actually found that African creators are producing some of the most engaging content in the world.
One of the most significant drivers of growth in the African creator economy is the increasing availability of high-speed internet and the rise of social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
So what goes wrong? Why are creators not making money? well, there are still some challenges that need to be addressed.
The challenges that need to be addressed, duh!
Content creation takes a lot of time, effort, and creativity. To produce high-quality content that people will want to consume, you have to work hard, but for creators in Africa, it can be even harder.
As an up-and-coming creator myself, one of the biggest challenges that I have faced, that African creators are facing is getting paid fairly for their work. Too often, brands and businesses approach creators with “no budget” proposals, expecting them to work for free or for exposure. This is bad business, it is unfair to creators and hinders growth tremendously.
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Another challenge is the lack of support. There are few organizations that provide training, mentorship, and other resources for African creators. This can make it difficult for them to succeed in the creator economy. Many African creators don’t have access to the same resources as their counterparts in other parts of the world.
Despite these challenges, the African creator economy is still a force to be reckoned with. A report by the World Economic Forum found that the number of African creators is expected to grow by 50% by 2025.
What African Creators Need to Do to Make Money Online
In order to succeed in the African creator economy, African creators need to do a few things. First, they need to continue producing high-quality content. This means creating content that is engaging, informative, and relevant to their audience. They then need to:
- Come together as one. Creators in Africa need to come together and form a united front. This will help them to negotiate better rates with brands and to raise awareness of the value of content creation.
- Charge well. Creators need to stop undercharging for their work. They need to charge what their work is worth, otherwise, they will be taken advantage of. No budget, no project. simple as that.
- Form cartels. Creators can form cartels to collectively bargain with brands and to set minimum rates. This will help to ensure that all creators are paid fairly.
- Educate the public. Creators need to educate the public about the value of content creation. They need to show people why it is important to support creators and pay for their work.
The Future of the African Creator Economy
If African creators can do these things, they will be well on their way to success. They will be able to produce high-quality content that reaches a global audience, and they will be able to make a decent living from their work.
Are you an African creator? What are your thoughts on the growth of the African creator market? Leave a comment down below or engage with us on social media!
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