Africa’s Audio-Visual Rights in Focus as Kampala Hosts Regional Seminar

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO), in partnership with Fundación AISGE, the Global Audio-visual Alliance (GAVA), the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), are hosting the Fourth African Regional Seminar on Copyright and Related Rights in the Audio-visual Sector in Kampala from 10^th to 11^th September, 2025.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Uganda, Hon. Norbert Mao, presided over the event as the Guest of Honour, underscoring the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening copyright systems, supporting creators, and aligning with international obligations in the audio-visual space. In his speech, Hon. Mao reiterated the Government of Uganda’s commitment to amend legislation to support the creative industry. “This seminar is about awareness of copyright and related rights. Today, through ARIPO and other partners, it is our duty to make all creators aware that the laws we are creating are on their side and that when they register, they can benefit,” Hon Mao said.

Building on Regional Progress

This year’s seminar follows three highly successful editions, the inaugural event in Zimbabwe in 2022, the second in Zambia in 2023, and the third in Lusaka in 2024. These meetings have steadily advanced dialogue on copyright and related rights, while providing member states with practical tools for the creative economy.

ARIPO’s Director of Intellectual Property, Mr. David Njuguna, who represented the Director General, said more collective efforts are needed to improve national Copyright and Related Rights laws and the implementation of international instruments on Copyright and Related Rights. “This is the time to take advantage and leverage the audio-visual sector for sustainable socio-economic growth and development of our creatives and Countries”.

The Kampala edition is being attended by representatives from Audio-Visual Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), National Copyright Offices, policymakers, and stakeholders from ARIPO Member States, as well as Observer States Nigeria and South Africa.

Advancing Copyright Protection and Compliance

At the core of the 4th Regional Seminar lies a strong focus on promoting ratification and implementation of international copyright treaties. These include the Kampala Protocol on Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, the Beijing Treaty on Audio-visual Performances, and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, among others.

Registrar General, Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, said Uganda’s hosting of the seminar shines a light on the country’s efforts to comply with international obligations on protection of copyrights in the audio-visual sector, and proposes better ways of managing the creative sector. “By working together, we can build a robust copyright ecosystem, empower creators, and unlock Africa’s creative potential. Together we can also tackle key challenges, including piracy and low awareness”

The Seminar aims to accelerate alignment of national laws with these instruments while exploring best practices in collective management of audio-visual rights, a key element for ensuring that artists, performers, and creators are fairly compensated for their work.

Tackling industry challenges

The delegates are deliberating on a wide range of key issues, including the ARIPO Toolkit on Tariff-Setting Principles and Guidelines for audio-visual CMOs, Regional cooperation among African CMOs, and emerging copyright challenges in the digital era.

Uganda stands to benefit significantly, with anticipated outcomes including: Increased awareness among local CMOs of their obligations to members, stronger advocacy for copyright registration as a driver of economic and creative growth, and enhanced visibility of Uganda as a regional leader in copyright compliance and promotion.

Looking ahead, the 4th Regional Seminar represents a crucial step in strengthening Africa’s audio-visual industry, promoting a fair creative economy, and positioning the continent to compete effectively in the global market. By hosting this high-level dialogue, Uganda reaffirms its dedication to supporting creators, protecting intellectual property rights, and nurturing cultural industries that contribute to both economic growth and national identity.