African Creator Economy undergoes remarkable transformation, fueled by homegrown innovations
Selar, a digital commerce tool born in Nigeria, is making waves as Africa's largest creator platform, boasting over 2 million users. This innovative platform is not just another player in the digital economy; it's a game-changer, designed specifically for mobile devices and catering to the unique needs of African creators.
At its core, Selar is about empowerment. It's about enabling creators to own their income, their time, and their future. Douglas Kendyson, the CEO of Selar, emphasizes the growing respectability of African creators and the need for platforms that reflect this reality.
Selar offers a suite of features, including built-in storefronts for digital products, a ticketing system for live and virtual events, and tools that make monetization easier for creators. One of the key advantages of Selar is its focus on local payment systems, allowing creators to bypass traditional gatekeepers and receive payments quickly and efficiently.
The platform's expansion into Francophone Africa is a testament to its commitment to supporting diverse regions and the next generation of creators. Selar's website also serves as a platform for African founders, investors, venture capitalists, tech leaders, and industry decision-makers to share their stories and connect with each other.
The African creator economy is a symbol of what can happen when local innovation meets digital access. It's becoming a significant pillar of Africa's digital economy, offering a decentralized, grassroots-led opportunity for self-employment. The economy is growing significantly, and platforms like Selar are helping to drive this growth.
Monetization remains a struggle for many African creators due to issues like payment accessibility, currency restrictions, and limited platform support on global platforms. However, Selar is filling a gap long ignored by these global platforms by offering payouts in local currencies and building tools tailored for African creators.
Kendyson believes that the creator economy is no longer a side hustle but a viable, respected path for African creators. He emphasizes the need for tools supporting the creator economy to be built with African context in mind. Selar is rooted in solving the real challenges African creators face, addressing issues like limited formal jobs, unreliable payment infrastructure, algorithmic biases on global platforms, and a lack of localized tools that support African creators to fully own their income and audience.
In Africa, the creator economy offers an opportunity for people to build sustainable income streams by teaching or sharing their knowledge or creations. African creators are finding success in various fields, such as selling writing templates, running paid webinars, and selling digital prints. With platforms like Selar, this trend is set to continue, fostering economic ownership and sustainability in the African digital landscape.
[1] Selar's website: www.selar.com [2] African Creator Economy Report: www.selar.com/reports/african-creator-economy-report [3] Douglas Kendyson's interview on TechCrunch: techcrunch.com/2021/03/25/selar-raises-14-5-million-to-help-african-creators-monetize-their-work/
- The venture capital industry is taking notice of Selar's significant role in the African creator economy, as it offers a unique finance solution that caters to the needs of African creators, thus supporting the growth of technology and lifestyle sectors.
- Selar's commitment to local payment systems and its tailored tools for African creators is not only revolutionizing the digital commerce landscape but also bridging the gap between global and African finance systems, thereby promoting technology and empowerment in the African lifestyle sector.
