Young Ugandan content creators are promoting local livelihoods by recording, editing, and uploading short videos to the video-sharing app TikTok.
TikTok is playing a significant role in the lives of Ugandan people, both in business and personal spheres. More young Ugandan creators are helping traditional businesses improve their online presence, attracting more customers.
Among these creators is Ivan Ssenjovu, who has gained fame for his comedy skits and has taken Uganda's TikTok scene by storm. He started this venture a year ago.
"[I saw it] as a business in TT (Tiktok). Because I went to university, did a bachelor's in drama and film and so I know what I am doing," said Ivan.
Ssenjovu's skits provide a comedic take on various aspects of Ugandan life. With thousands of followers, he works hard to keep his audience engaged. His follower count has grown rapidly in a short period, and he credits this success to creating the right content.
Ssenjovu and his group, Melody Hearts Comedy, are also tapping into the business potential of TikTok.
"You can put a video like this, when it's very good, you can get numbers you have never seen. So, that is why companies are getting into TikTok to start marketing their business. And as those who do those videos, we also get some income, as you know," said Ivan.
Local businesses, such as restaurant Gaucho Grill, are benefiting from this approach. Since Ssenjovu began promoting the restaurant on TikTok, it has seen a significant increase in demand.
"Everyone would want to go with someone who has mileage, so I chose Melody Hearts because he has the mileage. He has the crowds," said Esther Namboira, operations manager of Gaucho Grill.
This innovative approach is proving successful for both Ssenjovu and the businesses he works with. At every opportunity, Ssenjovu and his group put on a show.
"I know where to touch, I know how to touch my clients. I know that these clients want English. I have learned a little Chinese, I use Luganda our ground [local] language. So, basically, I know how to get every client close to me," said Ivan.
Ugandan content creators boost local businesses through TikTok marketing
The ongoing China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has attracted scores of new participants this year, with repeat participants also making their mark at the fair.
Themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," the trade fair, opened in China's capital city Beijing on Thursday and runs till Monday.
The CIFTIS is becoming more and more international, with a total of 36 Belt and Road partners showcasing their products.
Tharaka Dissanayake who works at the Sri Lankan Embassy in China has participated in the fair many times. He came to promote tea culture this time and believes that tea culture can better strengthen cooperation and exchanges between the two countries.
"For any commodity, it's a huge market. Obviously, this is one of the greatest platforms close to the Chinese consumer, to introduce ourselves, introduce our products, whatever the services or innovation," said Abeysekara, third secretary of the Sri Lankan Embassy in China.
An old friend of the fair was playing an African drum and the rhythmic sound attracted a large crowd.
"I'm here again. Many people took my WeChat and my contact, my number. So they called me, they ordered and they need more," said a Ghanaian exhibitor.
Dewi Avilia, Counselor for Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in China, is also attending the exhibition for the second time. She emphasized the need to promote cultural tourism as recent policies have made it easy for more Indonesian friends to travel to China.
"Chengdu and Chongqing have become two of the most popular tourist destinations for Indonesia. A lot of people now are not only talking about Shanghai, but are also talking about Chengdu, visiting the pandas and also Chongqing, because of the landscape. I think it is a good start," said Avilia.
This year's fair has also attracted huge number of new participants showcasing quality products.
"This is my first time. It's a great opportunity that we are able to showcase our products and to let people know about Uganda and Ugandan culture," said Mukisa Joseph, a Ugandan exhibitor.
"The expectations about this fair is to meet many people in the coffee industry. So far we have had a lot of consumers who are interested in roasted coffee. I'm still expecting more," said Mutijima Emma, a Rwandan exhibitor.
An Uzbek exhibitor, who is also a newcomer, initially intended to use this platform to promote his goods, but unexpectedly met partners from many other countries and found potential business opportunities here.
"This is a good platform to see the different global products and see the Chinese market all together. I met so many different people, but I also met many foreign people who are interested in our products. So I call these kind of events more like a globalization event," said Asilbek Khonkhujaev, an Uzbek exhibitor.
The fair has attracted attendees from 85 countries and international organizations, with over 450 Fortune 500 enterprises and companies taking the lead in their respective industries.
Newcomers, old friends gather at CIFTIS to seek new opportunities
