Minister of Communications Advocates For Content Monetization in Sierra Leone

The Minister of Communications, Technology, and Innovation, Madam Salima M. Bah, has emphasized the urgent need for content creators in Sierra Leone to tap into the potential of content monetization and social media regulation.

Speaking at a recent forum, the minister highlighted ongoing engagements with global tech giant Meta, popular Nigerian digital media platform Bella Naija, and local content creators to address issues related to monetization and the regulation of social media in the country.

Madam Bah pointed out that the traditional revenue streams for artists, particularly in the music industry, are no longer viable. “The way artists used to sell their albums is no longer working,” she stated, urging musicians and other content creators to leverage streaming services and social media platforms to expand their audience and build their brands.

The minister underscored that monetizing content is a crucial step in turning hobbies into profitable ventures, especially in a continent where only four countries are currently eligible for monetization on major platforms like YouTube and Facebook.

Content monetization, as defined by the minister, involves earning money when users consume online content, either directly from the users or through third-party advertising. She outlined several methods for creators to generate income, including subscriber-only access, online courses, affiliate marketing, product placement, and pay-per-click (PPC) ads.

Madam Bah encouraged creators who are knowledgeable in a specific niche, run a content platform, and see significant engagement and growth in followers to consider monetizing their content. She noted that platforms like YouTube and Facebook already have built-in services that allow content creators to benefit from PPC ads once they meet certain engagement thresholds.

The Minister’s remarks come at a time when African content creators face significant challenges due to limited opportunities for monetization. The underrepresentation of African countries in content monetization schemes has left many talented creators struggling to turn their passion into a sustainable income. The ministry’s efforts aim to bridge this gap, providing creators in Sierra Leone with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The ongoing discussions with Meta and other stakeholders are expected to pave the way for more inclusive policies that will enable Sierra Leonean creators to monetize their content effectively, thereby contributing to the growth of the digital economy in the country.