Government Engages Google, Meta to Enable Monetisation for Local Content Creators

The Government is crafting a new initiative aimed at enabling Zimbabwean digital content creators to earn income from online platforms, a move expected to boost the country’s digital economy under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, said her ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to dismantle long-standing obstacles that have limited monetisation opportunities for local creators.

She revealed that Government has already opened dialogue with global technology giants such as Google and Meta to explore monetisation frameworks that are compatible with Zimbabwe’s market.

“Our local content creators have been seeking opportunities to monetise their work, and we have been engaging platforms like Google and Meta to address the existing limitations. Discussions are ongoing as we work towards sustainable solutions,” said Minister Mavetera.

She explained that the proposed programme will introduce a structured system allowing Zimbabwean creators to earn revenue, either through established international platforms or via a dedicated monetisation platform tailored specifically for local content.

“We are working towards a programme that will focus on the monetisation of local content creators, including the possibility of establishing a platform where they can generate income from their work,” she said.

The initiative comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s digital content sector is expanding rapidly, with creators in areas such as social media, video production, music, education and online publishing continuing to face challenges in accessing global revenue streams.

Government officials believe that improving monetisation access will play a critical role in employment creation, youth empowerment and innovation, while enhancing Zimbabwe’s footprint in the global digital economy.

The programme is aligned with the goals of NDS2, which seeks to harness technology to drive inclusive growth, promote innovation and ensure that emerging industries make a meaningful contribution to national development.

Once rolled out, the initiative is expected to open new income streams for digital creators and position Zimbabwe as an emerging force in the global content economy.