**4.5 Geo-restrictions and lack of policies and regulations**

As noted above, one of the main challenges cited by the participants, that Botswana filmmakers face in monetizing their film content on YouTube is the georestrictions. Participants mention that YouTube monetization is not available in Botswana due to the lack of policies or agreements between the regulatory bodies or policymakers in Botswana and the YouTube platform. This restriction limits their ability to access monetization features and earn revenue from their creative content. Participants highlighted the need for regulatory bodies to embark on the regulation and negotiation process with YouTube to establish policies that allow Botswana content creators to directly receive payment from the platform, just like other content creators in a majority of countries where creatives earn incentives from their content. Accordingly, the absence of such policies creates a barrier for filmmakers in Botswana to monetize their film content effectively. For example, a participant's response suggested the following:

*"…the Botswana Communication Regulatory Authority (BOCRA) should spearhead the regulation and come to an agreement with YouTube to make policies that get Botswana content creators to get payment from YouTube."*
