Celebrating African Women: Instagram ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ Campaign

As Africa Day approaches on May 25, Instagram has launched its international and pan-African campaign, ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’. This year, the campaign shines a spotlight on the incredible impact of four trailblazing women from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt. These women are making waves across sports, music, entertainment, and culture, telling their stories through inspiring short films.

Women of Impact

This year’s campaign, now in its fourth edition, features Victoria Kimani from Kenya, Eniola Aluko from Nigeria, Bontle Modiselle from South Africa, and Tasneem Elaidy from Egypt. Each of these women has made significant contributions in their respective fields, and their journeys are captured in four beautifully crafted short films. These films not only highlight their successes but also delve into the challenges they have faced and their unwavering passion for their craft.

The short films were created in collaboration with rising filmmakers Haya Khairat from Egypt, Michael Rodriques from South Africa, Nyasha Kadandara from Kenya, and London-based Nigerian Aaliyah Mckay, along with co-director Shehroze Khan. This collaboration aims to amplify the unique voices and stories of these women, showcasing how they are redefining Africa's image on the global stage.

The Stories Behind the Faces

Victoria Kimani, a renowned Kenyan singer, songwriter, and entertainer, is celebrated for her distinctive blend of RnB, Afropop, and Hip-Hop. She has successfully carved a niche for herself in the African music scene and beyond, collaborating with both local and global artists. The Grammy Awards once referred to her as "Kenya's Best Kept Secret," a testament to her significant influence and talent.

From South Africa, Bontle Modiselle stands out as an award-winning dancer and influential figure. Known for her impressive dance skills, Bontle has traveled the world, showcasing her talent and earning numerous accolades, including an Africa Movie Academy Award. Her presence in the campaign underscores the global reach and impact of African dance and culture.Nigeria's Eniola Aluko is a trailblazer in women's football. Her remarkable contributions to the sport have made her a significant figure in the world of football. Eniola has played for some of the leading football clubs globally and recently made history by becoming the first African female to join the board of Italy’s top-flight football club, FC Como Women. Her journey is a testament to the growing influence and recognition of African women in sports.

Representing Egypt, Tasneem Elaidy is a singer and songwriter with powerful vocals that have earned her international acclaim. She began her career on social media, where her cover songs and original music quickly gained popularity. One of her cover songs went viral, leading to a substantial following of nearly 2 million on Instagram, 3 million on TikTok, and over 100 million combined views for her music. Tasneem's story highlights the transformative power of social media in launching and sustaining musical careers.

Campaign Highlights

Speaking about the campaign, Kezia Anim Addo, Communications Director for Africa, Middle East, and Turkey at Meta, expressed excitement over celebrating the remarkable impact of these women. She emphasized the role of women in positively shaping the narrative of Africa and inspiring change across various sectors.

"At Instagram, we’re deeply rooted in culture and connection, and we know our platform provides the perfect space to showcase passions and creativity, whilst inspiring a worldwide audience," Addo said.

In addition to the short films, Instagram is partnering with local African content creators for the third edition of its community challenge, ‘#ShareYourAfrica’. This initiative aims to bring together emerging and established content creators to celebrate and showcase what it means to be African.

A Celebration of African Excellence

‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ is not just a campaign; it is a celebration of African excellence. It honors the achievements of women who are breaking barriers and making significant contributions in their fields. By sharing their stories, Instagram is helping to reshape the global perception of Africa, highlighting the continent's rich cultural diversity, talent, and creativity.