Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikToker with 162.8 million followers, has been named a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. The 24-year-old Italian influencer, known for his silent videos simplifying overly complicated tutorials, visited Senegal—his birthplace—where he was officially welcomed into the UNICEF family. UNICEF’s regional director, Gilles Fagninou, praised Lame’s authenticity and engagement, emphasizing his potential to inspire and support children worldwide.

Reflecting on his journey from childhood struggles and job loss during the pandemic to global fame, Lame expressed his belief that every child can thrive when given opportunities. He now joins a prestigious list of UNICEF ambassadors, including Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Katy Perry. His TikTok success, which began in 2020 after losing his factory job, has led to lucrative marketing deals, earning him an estimated $16.5 million between June 2022 and September 2023, according to Forbes.