UNESCO, Government of Tanzania, and Meta Join Forces to Empower Media, Content Creators, and Influencers in the Digital Age

This initiative, which is designed to empower media professionals, content creators, and influencers with essential skills and opportunities to thrive on digital platforms, will be held in an open session on Media and Information Literacy and the monetization of digital platforms on Thursday, 15 August 2024, at the New Library of the University of Dar es Salaam.

In today's digital era, where 84% of Africans rely on social media as their primary news source, the need for media literacy has never been greater. In Tanzania alone, internet subscriptions surged by 7%, reaching 39.3 million users by June 2024, up from 36.8 million in March 2024, according to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). With the power to shape the opinions of millions, media professionals, content creators, and influencers must be equipped to effectively navigate the complex challenges of misinformation, deepfakes, and online harassment.

Critical thinking is our most powerful tool in this digital age. It enables us to objectively analyze information, make informed decisions, and engage actively in public discourse. By fostering these skills, we protect ourselves from misinformation and contribute to a more informed and engaged society. This partnership therefore focuses on equipping these individuals, particularly youth and women, with the tools needed to navigate the digital landscape effectively, engage critically with information, and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation.

During the event, Meta will launch new monetization features for content creators, providing Tanzanian creators with the means to transform their passion and investment into a sustainable income stream. These new options will allow creators to earn revenue directly from their content on Facebook and Instagram, marking a significant step in supporting the economic empowerment of creators.

This initiative is part of the broader implementation of the National Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violence against Women and Children (NPA VAWC II). It seeks to counter fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, promote media and information literacy among citizens and media content producers, and enhance the monetization of media and digital platforms. Ultimately, this action aims to improve the economic status of women and youth by leveraging the power of online platforms and the productive use of internet, media, and technology services.

For further information, please contact Nancy Angulo ([email protected]) and Ingiahedi Mduma ([email protected]).