Meta Africa: 2021 year in review

In a move to signify its new identity, Facebook rebranded to Meta earlier this year, with a focus on expanding its initiatives and investments across the African continent. The company recently unveiled its 'Year in Africa review' infographic for 2021, highlighting the significant strides and projects it has undertaken in the region. Joining CNBC Africa to delve deeper into Meta's impact in Africa is Kezia Anim-Addo, Director for Communications, Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta. With a keen focus on addressing the spread of misinformation and fake news, Meta has implemented various initiatives to curb this challenge. Kezia highlighted that the company has been actively investing in training programs to educate individuals on how to spot and avoid spreading fake news. Additionally, Meta has engaged in above-the-line advertising campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of misinformation, particularly in countries like Ethiopia. Meta has also collaborated with third-party fact-checking partners to verify the validity of news circulating on its platforms. The company has invested heavily in a team of over 45,000 global staff dedicated to combating misinformation. Notably, Meta has introduced innovative approaches such as launching a comic book in Nigeria to educate people on misinformation through storytelling. When assessing the outcomes of these initiatives, Kezia noted that while specific statistics were not available during the interview, Meta tracks the reach and engagement of its campaigns. The company also collaborates with partners to evaluate the effectiveness of its fact-checking programs. By focusing on digital literacy, privacy, and media literacy, Meta aims to empower individuals to navigate the online landscape safely. In terms of training and capacity-building, Meta places a strong emphasis on supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Africa. Through programs like 'Boost with Facebook' and 'SheMeansBusiness,' Meta has trained over 80,000 SMBs across 13 countries, recognizing the pivotal role these enterprises play in driving economic growth. Furthermore, initiatives like 'Digital by Pro' seek to nurture young talent in creative industries, with a notable 70% of graduates from the program securing jobs. Regarding the overarching goals of these training programs, Kezia explained that Meta aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy. Whether it's fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing social media marketing capabilities, or promoting online safety practices, Meta's trainings are designed to empower participants for career advancement and business success. Kezia affirmed that the training programs offered by Meta are free, underscoring the company's commitment to supporting small business owners and fostering digital literacy across the continent. Looking ahead to the strategic focus for the next year, Kezia emphasized Meta's sustained investments in Africa, particularly in multi-year projects like enhancing connectivity. Notably, Meta's 'Two Africa' subsea cable project, aimed at improving connectivity across the continent, has reached significant milestones. The expansion of the cable to connect Europe, Africa, and the Middle East has positioned it as the world's longest subsea cable. This development is poised to benefit over three billion people, representing 36% of the global population, and underscores Meta's commitment to advancing digital infrastructure in Africa. In essence, Meta's impact in Africa in 2021 has been marked by a concerted effort to combat misinformation, empower small businesses, and enhance connectivity. With a focus on sustainable investments and strategic partnerships, Meta's initiatives are poised to drive socio-economic growth and digital transformation across the continent.