This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Innovation and technology for gender equality,” is especially relevant in Africa’s growing creator economy, where women are driving innovation and using technology to build a more equitable future. 

From beauty and fashion to tech and finance, female creators are harnessing the power of digital platforms to share their skills and creativity with a global audience, exploring new and unconventional forms of creativity that challenge traditional norms and expectations. 

They are using their creative talents to address social and cultural issues, such as gender inequality, mental health, and environmental sustainability.

Female creators are becoming a force in the creator economy. Reports have it that over 51% of creators are female, working towards a more equitable and inclusive society in the digital world.

According to Bibiana Gyasi, a creator from Ghana, “The number of African women in the creator space is significantly growing. Women have stories, they have experiences and narratives that are important and need to be heard. I believe our biggest role is empowerment, empowerment of self and others” 

“Female creators in Africa are also contributing to the economic growth of their cities and countries in various forms as well as providing a new perspective on African culture and promoting African narratives in their respective fields: music, film, fashion, art, food, tech, business, etc” she added.

Technology has enabled female creators in Africa to contribute to the Creator Economy and showcase their talents to a broader audience. Digital tools and platforms have lowered the barriers to entry, allowing women to create, distribute, and monetize their content easily. 

For example, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have provided a platform for female creators to showcase their art, music, and dance. Similarly, e-commerce platforms like Selar, have allowed female entrepreneurs to sell their digital products to a larger customer base.

As the creator economy in Africa continues to grow, it is important to recognize some innovations and new technologies that are shaping the creator economy and to support their adoption and integration into the industry.

These technologies helped to create a more equitable and inclusive creator economy that provides opportunities for all creators to succeed.

Innovations such as platforms like Selar is providing a new avenue for creators in the African creator economy, making it easier for creators to receive payments online and to sell their products and services directly to their audiences.

We see more women leveraging platforms like this to monetize their skills and knowledge as digital products. 

New technologies such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) have the potential to promote collaboration and networking among female creators in Africa’s creator economy.

VR/AR can create immersive experiences that allow creators to connect with their audiences and with each other in new and innovative ways. 

For example, virtual events and conferences can bring together creators from different parts of Africa and around the world to collaborate and share ideas. Additionally, social media platforms such as Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces provide new opportunities for creators to connect and network with each other in real-time audio conversations.

“I believe the biggest thing that could help women in the digital space is a sense of community and belonging. This is a relatively new space for a lot of us. And it can feel lonely, especially for those starting off. I believe digital platforms providing access to resources, mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and funding will be a great way for African women creators to connect, learn and lean on each other for support” Bibiana Gyasi mentioned.

Female creators are also leveraging these new technologies to build their brands and also empower other women to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. They are sharing their skills and expertise across various industries and inspiring other women to do the same. 

Female creators in Africa are not only contributing to the growth of the creator economy, but also to the African economy as a whole. They are creating jobs and driving innovation in sectors such as fashion, beauty, tech, and finance.

They are also promoting tourism and cultural exchange, as their content reaches a global audience and showcases the diversity and richness of African culture.

Talking about the challenges that female creators in Africa face when it comes to using technology to promote their work or reach a wider audience, Bibiana said “ I believe the challenges may include but are not limited to technological know-how: many women may not have the right information and resources needed to harness technology and its benefits in their business. 

In addition to that; many may also have limited access to technology. The tools and equipment needed to be able to create and use technology effectively may not be available to a lot of women, especially in deprived areas”

“Education is a very important key factor. Female creators need to be educated on the opportunities and resources available to them in the creator economy. Even when policies are made that benefits women, without the right education and sensitization, many women would not know about it”

“Funding is critical to the success of female creators in Africa. Providing platforms that help Female creators monetize their crafts is essential. Also creating avenues for them to access grants, loans, prizes, etc can help female creators start and grow their businesses” she added.