Specialists emphasize that aligning copyright legislation, fostering innovation, and enhancing infrastructure are crucial steps toward bolstering Africa’s creative industries.
During the ‘Advancing Inclusive Copyright Regime for Africa’s Benefit’ webinar, held in honor of Africa Copyright and Collective Management (ACCM) Day, key figures such as Joseph B. Gyamfi, Executive Director of Copy Ghana; David Jeng, Founder and CEO of Bliss Executives in The Gambia; and Lynda Aphaeus, Director of the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) and intellectual property advisor, shared insights on the continent’s intellectual property landscape.
While recognizing the strides made by various African nations in strengthening their IP and copyright frameworks for the welfare of their populations, the panelists concurred that disparities in copyright laws, insufficient infrastructure, and a lack of political commitment continue to impede Africa’s ability to fully capitalize on intellectual property policies to drive economic growth.
Jeng pointed out that beyond the challenge of limited internet connectivity in rural and peri-urban regions, infrastructural deficits such as unreliable electricity supply present even more significant obstacles.
“Internet penetration stands at just 38 percent across Africa, but the more pressing issue is electricity access, which is available to only 46 percent of the population. Without electricity, internet access is impossible. Addressing these foundational infrastructure problems is essential,” he explained.
He further stressed the importance of youth engagement, stating, “It is vital for young Africans to actively participate in global conversations on intellectual property, contribute to the modernization of IP and copyright regulations, and innovate solutions tailored to Africa’s unique challenges.”
Jeng also called on African governments to become members of international bodies like the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), which can facilitate the continent’s ability to harness IP rights effectively, while fostering the political resolve needed to implement and enforce these rights domestically.
Highlighting the necessity of standardizing copyright laws and the operational practices of copyright management organizations (CMOs) across Africa, Aphaeus noted that such harmonization would simplify cross-border cooperation, strengthen Africa’s negotiating power on IP matters, and help combat piracy.
“Establishing uniform copyright protection durations, consistent exceptions, and collaborative enforcement protocols is imperative. Additionally, aligning CMOs’ best practices continent-wide will enhance cooperation and enforcement,” she asserted.
Aphaeus recommended that African nations capitalize on existing platforms and initiatives, including ARIPO, the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) engagement with African states on IP development, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes cultural and economic integration, to ensure that IP rights and copyright regulations remain relevant in the digital age.
Gyamfi elaborated on the pivotal role of CMOs in Africa, particularly their ability to streamline data access by representing creators collectively rather than individually. CMOs facilitate the authorization process, simplify royalty distribution, and ensure that institutions such as educational bodies, libraries, religious organizations, cultural centers, and public administrations receive appropriate access to copyrighted materials under exclusive rights and limitations.
Despite their importance, collective management organizations in Africa face challenges including underfunding and excessive governmental regulation, which hinder their efficiency in data management and royalty payments to creators.
“In Uganda, for example, artists primarily earn income through live events. Enforcement of copyright is critical but often difficult in certain contexts. Integrating CMOs with tax systems and adopting technology for royalty collection and distribution would enhance transparency and effectiveness,” Jeng emphasized.
This ACCM webinar serves as a lead-up to the 6th Africa IP Summit, slated to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from November 12 to 14, 2025.
