Zim Moves to Unlock Online Earnings for Local Creators as Talks with Google, Meta Intensify

The government is developing a dedicated program to enable Zimbabwean digital content creators to monetize their work online, as part of efforts to grow the digital economy under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2). Minister of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Honourable Tatenda Mavetera, said her ministry is working closely with the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services to address long-standing barriers that have prevented local creators from earning revenue from global digital platforms.

Minister Mavetera confirmed that government has already initiated engagements with major international technology companies, including Google and Meta, to explore monetization models suited to the Zimbabwean market. "We have had a lot of conversations with the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, where we have our local digital content creators wanting to also monetize their content. We have engaged the likes of Google and the likes of Meta, to find ways for our own local content creators to monetize their content," she said . Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

The envisaged program will provide a structured framework through which local creators can generate income, either through existing global platforms or a dedicated monetization platform designed specifically for Zimbabwe. "We believe that we will have a program dedicated to the monetization of local content creators, having at least a platform where they can monetize the content they have," Minister Mavetera said .

The initiative aims to create new income opportunities for content creators, position Zimbabwe as a competitive player in the digital content economy, and contribute to job creation, youth empowerment, and innovation. The program aligns with NDS2's broader objectives of leveraging technology to drive inclusive economic growth, promote innovation, and ensure that emerging sectors contribute meaningfully to national development .