TikTok Discover List 2026 Features Five African Creators

TikTok has unveiled its annual global The Discover List 2026, spotlighting 50 creators shaping culture across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators and Originators. This year, five creators from Sub-Saharan Africa earned a place on the prestigious list, marking a significant milestone for the region’s expanding influence within the global creator economy.

Their recognition highlights how African talent is commanding attention on the world stage — from medical education in Lagos to culinary creativity in Nairobi and Cape Town, and dynamic design entrepreneurship in Johannesburg. By turning passion into profession, these creators are building sustainable businesses, engaging global audiences, and redefining success across industries.

The Discover List continues to reinforce TikTok’s position as a platform where trends are born and real opportunities are created.

“At TikTok we are committed to celebrating our inspiring creator community. Today we are thrilled to unveil The Discover List 2026, a highlight of 50 creators to watch from around the world,” said James Stafford, Global Head of Content Operations, TikTok, “From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Originators who share their businesses with global audiences on TikTok, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered and authenticity and creativity can thrive.”

To honour this year’s nominees, TikTok partnered with the Food Network to host Hot List x Discover List: The Future of Flavor, a live culinary showcase inside Food Network’s kitchen in New York City. The event brought together creators from Food Network’s Hot List and TikTok’s Discover List, celebrating emerging voices shaping the global food scene.

Streaming live on TikTok, Discover List alum @violetwitchel cooked alongside Food Network Chef Esther Choi (@choibites) and fellow honorees. Representing Sub-Saharan Africa in the Foodies category were Trevor Were (@saute_with_trevor), a self-taught chef from Nairobi, Kenya, and Wayne Chang (@munchin_mash), a food creator and recipe developer based in Cape Town, South Africa. Their participation further underscored the rising global visibility of African culinary creators.

“Being nominated for the Discover List as a Foodie and attending the Food Network event means that people are able to find even more ways to scratch their own foodie itch. Getting the opportunity to be surrounded by foodies who all want to share their craft and passion to the world, that’s what it’s all about! I hope to make more content, so we’re all able to share this experience.” said Wayne Chang.

“It’s truly an honor to be nominated as a Foodie on The Discover List and to be part of the Food Network event. I never imagined that something that started on my kitchen counter could grow into such incredible opportunities. I feel seen and recognized not just by my fellow Kenyans, but by people around the world. This journey has opened doors to greater recognition and exciting brand collaborations. Stay consistent, what feels impossible today can become your moment tomorrow.” said Trevor Were.

African Creators Gain Recognition on TikTok Discover List 2026

The five African creators featured on the 2026 Discover List reflect the region’s growing impact on digital culture.

Educators

Olawale Ogunlana (@doctorwalesmd), a Lagos-based medical doctor and founder of HealthKraft Africa, was recognised in the Educators category. Known for simplifying complex medical conditions into engaging, easy-to-understand videos, he uses digital platforms to advance public health awareness across the continent. He also serves as one of TikTok’s Sub-Saharan Wellbeing Ambassadors.

“For a long time, a doctor’s impact was limited to the four walls of a clinic. Being recognized on the TikTok Discover List is an incredible honor that extends beyond personal recognition; it is a validation of the power of ‘edutainment’ while serving as proof that the screen has become the modern stethoscope, enabling us to reach, educate, and heal millions simultaneously. This milestone is a significant win for public health communication in Africa, demonstrating that audiences on powerful platforms like TikTok genuinely seek verified, relatable health information. I am thrilled to be part of a list that celebrates creators making a tangible difference in the world”, said Olawale Ogunlana.

Foodies

Wayne Chang of Cape Town blends diverse Asian cuisines with locally sourced South African ingredients, creating flavour-forward recipes that celebrate cultural fusion. Meanwhile, Nairobi’s Trevor Were transforms everyday meals into accessible and exciting dishes from his home kitchen, inspiring a new generation of cooking enthusiasts.

Originators

In the Originators category, Cherie Kihato (@cheriekihato), founder of Savannah Space in Nairobi, was recognised for showcasing African heritage through furniture, art and interior design. Through TikTok, she has expanded her brand beyond Kenya, inspiring a global community of design lovers.

“It means that my message that Africans and African brands should be highlighted and respected is being noticed. This is such an honour as it’s so important for us as Africans to showcase the incredible things that are coming out of our continent. Being nominated as an Originator proves to me that the risk I took in sharing my journey of building an African brand is resonating with so many people. I’m incredibly proud of that. Creating on Tik Tok has played a huge role in my confidence journey. It pushed me far outside my comfort zone…it opened up so many unexpected opportunities, but more than that, it allowed me to build a really special community of people who genuinely support me and are rooting for the growth and success of my brand.” said Cherie Kihato.

Also featured is Tamia Nontsikelelo (@tolthema), a Johannesburg-based entrepreneur who combines storytelling and marketing to grow her modest fashion brand, Tol’thema. Through strategic content creation, she has rapidly scaled her business and built an engaged online community.

“Being nominated as an Originator on the Discover List is a powerful affirmation of the work I’ve done to build more than just a business on TikTok. It represents the impact of creating products, stories, and conversations that resonate deeply with people and turn viewers into a genuine community. TikTok has completely transformed my life and career. It quite literally blew up my small business and became the single most effective marketing tool I have ever used. Because of the exposure and support from TikTok, I was able to scale my brand, create jobs, and build a real team. It has not only transformed my business but also changed my personal life by opening doors, creating opportunities, and allowing me to step fully into my purpose as an entrepreneur.” said Tamia Nontsikelelo.

TikTok Elevates African Creators to Global Spotlight

The 2026 Discover List was compiled through a global nomination process, with TikTok teams selecting creators who made significant impact over the past six months. Selection criteria included video output, views, engagement levels, account growth and content that sparked meaningful global conversations.

The inclusion of Sub-Saharan African creators continues a breakthrough first achieved in 2025, when the region was represented on the Discover List for the first time. That milestone opened doors to international exposure, including features in TIME Magazine and participation in the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

At the festival, Chef Abby (Abena Amoakoaa Sintim-Aboagye) from Ghana engaged directly with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and the Mayor of London, further elevating her international profile. She later earned a nomination at the 2025 TikTok Awards in Sub-Saharan Africa, emerging as First Runner-Up in the Food Creator of the Year category.

With the 2026 edition now unveiled, the message is clear: African creators are no longer emerging voices — they are shaping global culture, building sustainable enterprises, and turning digital influence into lasting real-world impact.