Meta official criticizes Chief Minister for inadequate public information on monetization

Michael Fullah, Operations Manager for Meta’s Customer Operations, recently clarified the status of Facebook monetization tools in Sierra Leone. He confirmed that while monetization is technically possible for eligible users, the limited availability of advertising options, particularly In-Stream Ads, poses a significant deterrent for local content creators. In-Stream Ads are one of Facebook’s primary revenue-generating tools, and their absence severely restricts earning potential.

Fullah noted that other features, such as Stars (digital tips during live streams) and Subscriptions (monthly paid access to exclusive content), are available, offering some income opportunities. However, these are less profitable than In-Stream Ads or Reels Bonuses, which remain unavailable.

He further emphasized that for Facebook to fully enable monetization in Sierra Leone, increased engagement with Meta's Ads System from both individual content creators and institutions (businesses and government agencies) is crucial. This increased platform usage and economic activity could encourage Meta to unlock more tools in the region.

Fullah provided a breakdown of Facebook's monetization options:

• In-Stream Ads – Short ads in videos; requires a large follower base and high watch time. (Currently not officially rolled out in Sierra Leone, significantly impacting monetization.)

• Stars – Viewers send stars during live videos; each star generates income.

• Subscriptions – Monthly support from fans in exchange for exclusive perks.

• Branded Content – Collaborations with brands that involve sponsorship deals.

• Reels Bonuses – Available in some countries as incentives for popular short videos. (Unavailable in Sierra Leone.)

• Affiliate Marketing – Not a Meta feature, but can be used alongside content to earn from third-party sales.

Fullah concluded by criticizing Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh for not providing adequate public communication on accessible monetization tools and how local creators can utilize them. 

He urged better guidance and support from government leaders to help unlock economic opportunities for digital content creators across the country, particularly by addressing the limited advertising options.