A new digital platform called Zaumu has launched with the goal of transforming how content creators and brands collaborate in Kenya and across Africa. The platform, described as an end-to-end influencer campaign management solution, aims to offer a more transparent, efficient, and direct connection between creators and businesses seeking digital marketing services.
According to Cedric Nzomo, co-founder of Zaumu, the digital economy offers massive potential for job creation, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials, many of whom aspire to become professional content creators. However, despite brands increasing their digital marketing budgets, a significant number of influencer-driven projects never go live due to a lack of trust, poor measurement tools, and inefficient processes.
Nzomo highlighted a startling contrast to emphasize the issue: in 2024, the 200 billboards along Nairobi’s Waiyaki Way and CBD reportedly generated more revenue than all Kenyan content creators combined, despite the influencer marketing potential being estimated at $25 million. In reality, only about $2.5 million was spent, showing a clear underutilization of digital creators.
The Zaumu platform is designed to solve this by streamlining the entire project lifecycle. It features:
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Transparent Job Listings, where brands can publicly post jobs with clear budgets and payment structures. Payments are secured up front and released in milestones to ensure fairness.
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Streamlined Contracting, offering creators better control over their intellectual property and image rights, with built-in protections and clear deliverables.
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Secure Communication, allowing direct collaboration between creators and brands, while protecting the privacy and integrity of the creative process.
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Automated Reporting, giving brands real-time project tracking and enabling creators to meet milestones and receive timely payments.
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Reputation Systems, where both brands and creators can rate each other, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
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AI Tools, which assist in idea generation, content moderation, and provide general support services.
Nzomo explained that currently, brands often rely on third-party recommendations or public trends to find influencers, which leads to mismatched campaigns and unfair working conditions for creators. Zaumu aims to eliminate these inefficiencies by giving both sides direct access to each other in a trusted environment.
“The beauty of content creation is that you can monetize what you’re already doing,” Nzomo noted. “But challenges like lack of access, transparency, and efficiency hold back many aspiring creators. Zaumu has been built to overcome those barriers.”
As Africa’s digital economy continues to grow, Zaumu could play a pivotal role in unlocking its full potential by professionalizing influencer marketing and providing creators with the tools, protections, and opportunities they need to thrive.
