Both creators shared their journeys, highlighting the essential steps content creators need to follow to build sustainable careers on platforms such as YouTube and beyond. Wodemaya, one of Africa’s leading digital creators, stressed the importance of consistency and dedication. He emphasised that success in content creation does not happen overnight and urged creators to continue producing content even when the results may not be immediate. “You need to show up regularly and engage your audience,” Wodemaya said. He encouraged creators to take feedback from their audience seriously, learning from their mistakes to improve with each post or video. He also pointed out that creating content is about being visible and understanding the business. Furthermore, he stated that content creators should focus on monetising their platform and exploring ways to generate income through adverts, sponsorships and merchandise. However, he highlighted the need for more structured support, especially from governments. “Governments should get involved by offering support for monetisation and creating policies that allow content creators to grow,” Wodemaya stated.
He argued that with proper government backing, creators could turn their passion into long-term professions, thus contributing to the economy while also telling authentic African stories. He encouraged content creators to advocate for government support in terms of digital literacy, financial backing, and infrastructure to help them fully unlock the potential of platforms like YouTube. Wodemaya’s message was clear: Content creators in Botswana and across Africa should see themselves as entrepreneurs. He noted that with the right mindset, persistence, and a commitment to growth, local creators could thrive in the digital economy but they also need to push for external support to fully realise their potential. “You can be anything you put your mind to,” he added, encouraging creators to stop waiting for validation from external forces and instead focus on what they can control, creating meaningful content consistently. William Last KRM, Botswana’s social media sensation and comedian, echoed Wodemaya’s sentiments about perseverance and hard work. He shared his journey, describing the numerous challenges he faced in breaking into the industry. He spoke candidly about how he often felt overlooked, especially in the early stages of his career. However, he stressed that appreciating small milestones kept him going. “Appreciate every success, even the smallest achievements,” he said. He explained that celebrating even the smallest growth in subscribers, likes, or comments can be a strong source of motivation. He advised creators to stay true to themselves, emphasising that authenticity is key to building a loyal audience. “People connect with real, authentic content,” William Last KRM said.
