Zaumu launches Africa’s first creator-first marketplace
The platform aims to bridge the gap between creators and brands by enabling them to collaborate directly and measure the impacts of campaigns and projects
Local content creators are set to benefit from the launch of an innovative digital marketplace dubbed Zaumu.
The marketplace, which is an end-to-end influencer campaign management solution digital platform, will enable creators and influencers to access jobs and source projects directly from brands listed on the marketplace.
The platform aims to bridge the gap between creators and brands by enabling them to collaborate directly and measure the impacts of campaigns and projects. According to Zaumu co-founder Cedric Nzomo, 90 per cent of digital projects earmarked for content creators and influencers never see the light of day, despite increasing budget allocations for digital marketing by brands.
“Brands subject projects and campaigns to a long process before they can go live. While they see the importance of digital marketing, there is a trust deficit due to improper measurement tools and the lack of transparency between brands and creators during content creation. As a result, it is easier for them to spend on traditional marketing. Statistically speaking, the 200 billboards between Waiyaki Way and the Nairobi CBD made more money in 2024 than all the content creators across different platforms in Kenya.” Nzomo added.
According to Statista, Kenya’s estimated influencer marketing spend stood at $2.5 Million (over Ksh 320 million) in 20243 against a potential spend of $25 Million (over Ksh 3.2 billion). The mismatch in spending is due to several factors and gaps. First is the mismatch between brand needs and creator briefs. Under the current system, brands rely on third-party recommendations and public trends to identify suitable creators. As a result, brands are often connected to creators who do not meet their needs, while creators are subject to payment delays, low pay, and exploitation.
“Brands are often not able to vet creators who suit or align with their values, while creators are forced to take on any job to ensure they survive. We are looking to bridge the gap between creators and brands. Zaumu is a creator-focused, AI-driven digital marketplace tailored to meet the needs of Africa’s digital economy,” Nzomo added.
Zaumu provides structured workflows, secure milestone payments, and verified profiles to ensure fair, scalable, and impactful partnerships.
“The digital economy holds diverse opportunities for wealth and job creation. Among Gen Zs and Millennials, content creation is an easy stepping stone to tap into this opportunity. According to Odipodev, 76% of Gen Zs aspire to become professional content creators. The beauty of content creation is that you can monetize what you’re already doing. The challenge has been access, transparency & and efficiency, finding a connection to brands and projects. Zaumu has been created to help you overcome these challenges,” Nzomo added.
