Minister of Sports and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng, says ongoing discussions with Google could unlock significant opportunities for the country’s creative sector to monetise their digital content.
“We have approached Google Africa headquarters in Kenya, and discussions with their US headquarters are planned to fast-track the process,” Kelebeng said at the Creative Industry Summit on Friday. He noted that Google is taking a regional approach, rolling out content monetisation not for Botswana alone, but for all Southern African countries that have not yet been monetised. This means Botswana will benefit as part of a broader regional package, giving local creators access to larger audiences and revenue streams alongside their neighbours.
For many local creatives, earning a living from their craft has long been a challenge. Musicians, filmmakers, digital artists, and writers often reach large audiences online but struggle to convert views into revenue. The ministry’s plan to establish a Content Monetisation Hub aims to change that by helping creators navigate digital platforms, manage intellectual property rights, and access multiple revenue streams.
Kelebeng also emphasised that government support alone will not be enough. He highlighted collaboration with the Bank of Botswana, Ministry of Trade, and fintech players as key to creating a strong, enabling ecosystem that allows both creatives and the private sector to benefit.
Policies and legislation are also being updated to support this drive. The Digital Services Bill and the Digital Assets Bill provide the legal and financial framework needed to encourage investment and ensure that monetisation processes are secure and sustainable.
While Kelebeng remained optimistic about the potential, he admitted that an exact timeline for when content monetisation will be fully realised is not yet clear. “We expect progress within the three-year horizon set by the UDC administration for its projects,” he said, signalling cautious optimism for the industry.
“Google’s engagement is promising,” Kelebeng concluded. “It signals that our creative sector can compete internationally while generating real economic value at home. But the industry must actively participate, and we need continued support from the private sector to make this a reality.”
For Botswana’s creatives, these developments could mark a turning point-finally turning passion into sustainable livelihoods and giving local talent the opportunity to shine on a global stage.
