The government is accelerating efforts to unlock social media monetisation opportunities for local content creators as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Botswana’s creative economy and create sustainable jobs for young people.
Speaking at the Botswana-Namibia Creative Economy Workshop in Gaborone on Wednesday, Minister of Sport and Arts, Hon. Jacob Kelebeng, announced that government is working on legal and regulatory frameworks that will enable Batswana creatives to earn income directly from digital platforms.
Kelebeng said social media monetisation has the potential to transform content creation from a hobby into a viable economic sector by allowing creators to convert their audiences and online content into revenue streams.
“Content creators do not only need exposure; they need economic opportunities,” he said. “We are developing frameworks that will make it possible for people to make money through their talents while ensuring that regulations remain friendly to creatives.”
The minister noted that many creators in Botswana and neighbouring Namibia currently face barriers to direct monetisation on major social media platforms. As a result, they often depend on alternative income sources such as live gifts, brand partnerships and third-party intermediaries, some of which take significant commissions from creators’ earnings.
According to Kelebeng, government’s efforts are aimed at addressing these challenges and ensuring that local creatives can participate more meaningfully in the rapidly expanding global digital economy.
He further emphasised the role of innovation and creativity in national development, arguing that the creative sector could contribute to Botswana’s economic diversification agenda and help generate foreign revenue.
“Creatives are problem-solvers and innovators,” he said. “By empowering them to monetise their work, we are creating opportunities for economic growth and positioning Botswana to benefit from the global digital marketplace.”
The minister also linked the monetisation agenda to ongoing efforts to improve Botswana’s standing in international digital and financial ecosystems. He suggested that a more supportive environment for digital entrepreneurship could help local creatives access global markets and revenue opportunities.
Kelebeng’s remarks build on an announcement he made in October 2025 regarding plans to establish a Content Monetisation Hub. The proposed hub is expected to provide guidance and support to content creators seeking to earn revenue through platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and TikTok.
At the time, the minister said the initiative would equip creators with the knowledge and skills required to navigate platform requirements, audience development strategies and monetisation tools.
He reiterated that vision during the workshop, describing digital creativity as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
“Digital creativity encourages people to experiment, learn quickly and adapt to changing circumstances,” he said. “These are skills that are valuable not only in the creative industries but also in business, education and advocacy.”
Kelebeng further highlighted the global reach offered by social media platforms, noting that creators are no longer limited by geographical boundaries. Through digital channels, artists, influencers, filmmakers, musicians and other creatives can access international audiences and markets that were previously beyond their reach.
“Social media allows creators to showcase and sell their work to audiences across the world,” he said. “This creates opportunities for exports of creative products and services without the traditional barriers associated with international trade.”
The minister also underscored the role of digital platforms in expanding employment opportunities for young people. He noted that the growth of the creator economy has opened pathways to remote work, freelancing and entrepreneurship, enabling individuals to build careers without relocating from their communities.
As Botswana continues to explore mechanisms for social media monetisation, government hopes the initiative will stimulate growth in the creative sector, create new income streams for youth and position the country as a competitive player in the digital economy.
The Botswana-Namibia Creative Economy Workshop brought together stakeholders from government, the creative industries and the private sector to explore opportunities for regional collaboration and the development of sustainable creative economies in both countries.
