Africa Launches First Digital Twin AI Creator Workshop

Africa marked a significant moment in the evolution of digital creativity and youth empowerment with the launch of the continent’s first Digital Twin AI Creator and Enablement Workshop. Hosted by Afru-ikigAI in partnership with Huawei Cloud, the South African Social Media Awards (SASMA) and Celebrity Drive South Africa, the initiative reflects a growing shift towards AI-driven content entrepreneurship.

Designed for award-winning and high-value creators, the workshop brought together more than 20 leading digital voices with a combined reach of over 15 million followers. Its focus was practical, equipping creators with real tools and knowledge to scale their work, monetise their platforms and compete globally using AI.

The programme was led by Afru-ikigAI Founder and CEO Nondumiso Mhlongo alongside SASMA Sponsorship and Acquisitions Lead Partner Terisa Hsu-Lee. Together, they introduced creators to Digital Twin technology, which enables AI-powered content creation, automation and scalability.

Speaking at the event, Terisa highlighted the importance of investing in the creator economy as a driver of youth development. She noted that content creation remains an under-recognised pathway for economic participation and professional growth, particularly for young people across the continent.

Nondumiso emphasised that the workshop was about more than technology. “This is about access and opportunity,” she said. “Digital twin technology will change how African creators scale influence, monetise their work and build sustainable global opportunities.”

SASMA Founder and Director Unathi Mkiva reinforced this view, noting that initiatives like this play a critical role in strengthening the professional standing of creators. He said SASMA was proud to partner in a programme that directly invests in the economic and professional growth of South Africa’s creator community, ensuring they are equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving digital industry.

The initiative was supported by Huawei Cloud through its Market Development Fund, which focuses on advancing young entrepreneurs and women in technology. Huawei Cloud leaders including Steven Chen, Diego Han, Heelesh Heera, Ives Liyichao and Hlulani Baloyi participated in the session, underscoring the company’s commitment to Africa’s digital future.

A standout moment was a live demonstration by Ives Liyichao, Lead Solutions Architect at Huawei Cloud, who showcased how digital twin technology and AI-driven workflows are already transforming content production in global markets. Creators were given behind-the-scenes access to Huawei Cloud’s MetaStudio platform, gaining insight into automated editing, cloud rendering and AI-supported production processes.

The workshop followed shortly after the 2025 SASMA Awards and included creators from lifestyle, beauty, business and entertainment sectors. Participants engaged directly with facilitators, asking practical questions about AI adoption, monetisation models and global trends shaping the creator economy.

Celebrity Drive Co-Founders Wendy Mosetlhi and Sipho “C-ga” Masebe recognised the importance of supporting a platform where creators could engage with the real, practical applications of AI and walk away with tangible skills they can apply immediately. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to empowering influencers with the tools, insights and technological capabilities needed to strengthen their storytelling, elevate their platforms and expand their impact within South Africa’s rapidly growing creator economy. Wendy noted that Celebrity Drive was proud to support a platform where creators gain real, practical AI skills that elevate their storytelling and strengthen their digital impact.

The programme also included prize giveaways and three Digital Twin Training Experiences valued at over R20,000 each, offering winners full AI training, studio creation and mentorship.

The workshop marks the beginning of Afru-ikigAI’s broader expansion strategy, with plans to roll out similar AI-focused creator programmes across South Africa and other African markets including Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia and Ghana.

As Africa’s creator economy continues to grow, the initiative positions local creators to participate meaningfully in the global digital landscape, not as followers, but as leaders.

Mzansi Pulse

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Africa Launches First Digital Twin AI Creator Workshop

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