Fast growth, low pay in Africa's creator economyCEFR A2
23 Apr 2026
Adapted from Laura, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Desola Lanre-Ologun, Unsplash
A new report published at the Africa Creators Summit in Lagos in January 2026 says the creator sector is worth about USD 3 billion today and could reach over USD 17 billion by 2030.
Many creators still earn little from their digital work. Platform payments are unpredictable, so creators often combine roles and sell digital products or merchandise. Payment services such as Stripe and PayPal are limited in parts of Africa, and other services like M-Pesa have grown to help creators receive money.
Difficult words
- sector — part of the economy with similar businesses
- platform — website or app where people share content
- unpredictable — not able to be predicted, changes without warning
- merchandise — goods that people sell in shops or online
- limited — not available in large amounts or places
- receive — to get money or things from someone
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think platform payments can be unpredictable for creators?
- Would you sell digital products or merchandise if you were a creator? Why or why not?
- Are payment services like Stripe or M-Pesa available where you live? How do creators there receive money?
Related articles
Instagram bot campaigns target activists and media in Western Balkans
In November 2025 coordinated bot operations hit activist and media Instagram accounts in the Western Balkans. Reports on November 16 and 23, 2025 describe fake followers, mass reports, bot comments and mass liking that reduced visibility.
Cyber risks to US infrastructure as strikes on Iran continue
As US strikes on Iran continue, experts warn of possible retaliatory cyberattacks on essential US infrastructure. Alex K. Jones reviewed the risks, naming water systems, power grids and the possible future effect of quantum computing.
AI and Wearable Devices for Type 2 Diabetes
A meta-review from the University at Buffalo examines AI-enhanced wearable devices for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. The study finds predictive benefits and important limits, and calls for larger, more transparent studies before routine clinical use.