As part of its celebration around ‘Africa Day’ on May 25, Facebook today has announced the launch of its global campaign titled: ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’, which a series of short films unveiling the stories of eight phenomenal creatives and small business owners from across the continent who are breaking ground across the world.
Available to view on a dedicated ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ microsite and the official Facebook Africa page from May 21, 2021, the films provide a glimpse into the global successes of African creatives and businesses hailing from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon. This includes fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo from South Africa, whose clothing brand ‘Maxhosa’ has been worn by global names such as Beyonce and Alicia Keys, and most recently had his designs featured in the film ‘Coming to America 2’. Also featured are Sauti Sol, a collective Afro-pop music group from Kenya who have gained international recognition with nominations and shows in Europe and the US; and Mark Angel, a Nigerian Digital comedian, script writer and video producer who has amassed over 15 million global followers on Facebook. The series is aimed at showcasing, ‘hero’ing’ and honouring the people that are impacting Africa, as well as the world, through their music, arts and crafts.
Also included in the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign are Fashion designer and bespoke tailor, Mai Atafo (Nigeria); Fashion designer and visual artist, Lafalaise Dion (Côte d’Ivoire); Founder of Les Petits Pots de l’Ogooué Garmout Food brand, Jessica Allogo (Gabon); Musician, DJ, Rapper and Producer; Blinky Bill (Kenya); and Founder of Pedro’s Premium Ogogoro drinks brand, Lola Pedro (Nigeria).
Speaking on the commitment of the social media platform, Regional Director, Facebook Africa, Nunu Ntshingila said: “At Facebook we are deeply invested in the creative industry in Africa, and nowhere is it more exciting to witness this vibrant creative scene than here on the continent. These people and businesses are changing the way Africa is seen, not just in Africa, but around the world, and are cementing our position as leaders in innovation and the creative industries. We know that Africa is the future, and in honour of ‘Africa Day’ and the Africa Union’s 2021 celebration of African ‘Arts Culture And Heritage’, ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ is our way of recognising just some of these remarkable individuals who continue to inspire the world.”
As part of the ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign, Facebook will be creating dedicated ‘Africa Day’ Facebook profile frames available to Facebook users, and holding free virtual trainings for SMBs and Creators across Africa through its local training partners. Focused on providing other upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs with the digital know-how to take their ideas global, the campaign will also focus on creativity and Instagram; how to creatively engage with the audience through Instagram; Reels school, Interactivity in stories and how to get creative with ads.
