TikTok has reportedly laid off employees across its African divisions in its quest for global restructuring, leading to a downsizing initiative.
This decision followed earlier cuts in March, which had already impacted some roles within the African team.
Reports reveal that the recent reductions have affected staff in content operations, marketing, and trust and safety departments. Sources close to the matter said that further layoffs may occur in the third quarter of 2024.
Although TikTok has not disclosed precise figures, estimates show that over half of the African team members in South Africa and Nigeria were affected. The workforce was reportedly around 100 employees.
The timing of these layoffs has led to speculation that they may be connected to TikTok’s regulatory issues in the United States, particularly following President Joe Biden’s recent mandate for ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest TikTok or face a ban. However, reports highlight that these claims have been dismissed by a familiar person to the company, explaining that the layoffs are part of routine business evaluations rather than a direct response to regulatory pressures.
This wave of job cuts is one of TikTok’s most substantial reductions in workforce, differing from its usual pattern of smaller-scale reorganisations. Other tech giants, including Meta and Microsoft, have also made some reductions in their African operations, though they maintain their focus on investing in the continent.
Earlier reports from May highlighted TikTok’s global layoff strategy, which was set to impact various teams, including those responsible for user support and communications. The company had already made adjustments to its workforce in Ireland, where it planned to restructure roles in training and quality. Despite these changes, TikTok’s Irish operations are essential to meet European data protection standards.
