By STELLA MARIS ASHINZE

A Lagos-based medical doctor and health educator, Dr Olawale Ogunlana, has been named among five Sub-Saharan African creators featured on TikTok’s Global Discover List 2026.

Ogunlana, known on TikTok as @doctorwalesmd, is the founder of HealthKraft Africa and was recognised in the “Educators” category of the global list, which highlights 50 influential creators shaping culture worldwide.

TikTok’s Global Head of Content Operations, James Stafford, said in a statement on Thursday that the company remained committed to celebrating inspiring creators around the world.

“From educators inspiring communities, to learning something new, to originators sharing their businesses with global audiences. TikTok is proud to be a space where new talents can be discovered and where authenticity and creativity can thrive,” he said.

According to him, as part of activities to celebrate this year’s honourees, TikTok, in collaboration with Food Network, will host a live culinary event titled: “Hot List x Discover List: The Future of Flavor”, in New York City.

The Annual Discover List celebrates creators across five categories: Icons, Innovators, Foodies, Educators and Originators, who are driving conversations and impact on the platform.

Ogunlana, who is also one of TikTok’s Sub-Saharan Africa Wellbeing Ambassadors, is known for breaking down complex medical conditions into simple, engaging videos aimed at improving public health awareness.

Reacting to the recognition, Ogunlana said the honour validated the power of digital platforms in advancing health communication.

“For a long time, a doctor’s impact was limited to the four walls of a clinic. Being recognised on the TikTok Discover List is an incredible honour that extends beyond personal recognition.

“It is 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,” he said.

Also featured on the 2026 list are: food creators Trevor Were from Nairobi, Kenya, and Wayne Chang from Cape Town, South Africa, as well as creative entrepreneurs Cherie Kihato from Nairobi and Tamia Nontsikelelo from Johannesburg.

The event, to be held inside Food Network’s kitchen, will bring together creators from the platform’s Discover List and Food Network’s Hot List, highlighting emerging talent shaping the global food landscape.

Were and Chang, both recognised in the “Foodies” category, are expected to participate in the event, underscoring the growing global influence of African culinary creators.

Chang, known for blending diverse Asian cuisines with locally sourced South African ingredients, described the nomination as an opportunity to connect with other food enthusiasts globally.

“We are a self-taught chef who share accessible home-kitchen recipes and the recognition has opened doors to greater visibility and brand collaborations,” he said

In the “Originators” category, Kihato, founder of Savannah Space, a Kenyan design studio and showroom, was recognised for showcasing African heritage through furniture, art and interiors.

This, he said, was achievable while expanding her business to global audiences through content creation.

Nontsikelelo, a Johannesburg-based entrepreneur, was honoured for building an engaged community around her modest fashion brand, Tol’thema, using storytelling and marketing strategies on TikTok.

According to TikTok, the Discover List 2026 was selected through a global nomination process, with creators evaluated based on video creation, views, account growth, engagement and content that sparked global conversations.

The company said the initiative underscored its role in breaking down barriers, fostering creativity and connecting communities across the world.

Sub-Saharan African creators were first featured on the Discover List in 2025, gaining international visibility and participating in global events, including the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. (NAN)

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