Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day 2025: Uniting Africa’s Creators and Strengthening Rights

"Copyright is the backbone of a fair and thriving creative economy. It ensures artists are recognised and rewarded for their work, and it safeguards the culture and talent that make Africa a global creative powerhouse. I will always speak up for creators' rights, because protecting our artists means protecting the future of Africa's creative industries."
- Yvonne Chaka Chaka, CISAC Vice President & artist

Paris, France - 11 September 2025 - The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) will mark Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day (#AfricaCopyrightDay) this month, a continent-wide celebration dedicated to raising awareness of the value of copyright and collective management in protecting creators and supporting the growth of Africa's creative industries.

Launched in 2018, Africa Copyright and Collective Management Day is held annually on 14 September to put a focus on copyright and unify efforts at local, national, and regional levels across Africa. It provides a timely opportunity to strengthen dialogue with policymakers on copyright enforcement and enabling legislative frameworks, engage key users such as broadcasters and digital platforms on their licensing obligations, raise awareness of the challenges and opportunities brought by artificial intelligence, and deepen engagement with creators and members across the continent.

"Africa Copyright Day is a powerful moment for creators and societies across the continent. It is an opportunity to celebrate African talent, promote respect for copyright, and push for stronger support from governments and private sector compliance to ensure creators can thrive," said Samuel Sangwa, CISAC's Regional Director for Africa.

Key activities in 2025

12 September 2025

ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization), in collaboration with URSB (Uganda Registration Services Bureau) and CISACPanel discussions and workshops on strengthening copyright and related rights to build a sustainable future for creatives.Location: Kampala, UgandaOpen to: policymakers, CMOs, enforcement bodies, creators, and the publicMore info: https://www.aripo.org, https://www.ursb.go.ug

MASA (Mauritius Society of Authors)Workshops to improve understanding of collective copyright management and discuss MASA's new structureLocation: Beau-Bassin, MauritiusOpen to: Employees of MASAMore info: https://www.masa.govmu.org/masa/

14 September 2025

BCDA (Bureau Congolais du Droit d'Auteur)Training workshop and sensitisation campaign on copyright with media coverage.Location: Brazzaville, CongoOpen to: artists, users of works, cultural partners, policymakers, and the publicMore info: https://www.bcda-congo.com/

BGDA ( Bureau Guinéen du Droit d'Auteur)
Discussion and awareness-raising with panels of creators, operators, and institutional actors from the cultural sector, focusing on the theme "Artists and operators: partners in transparent and fair management."
Location: Conakry, Guinea
Open to: creators of cultural works, young unregistered artists, users, students in related fields, and the general public interested in protecting cultural works.
More info: BGDA Facebook

COSBOTS (Copyright Society of Botswana)Honouring of the Top 10 traditional rights holders by visiting them in their villages and sharing their stories through a press release, highlighting their long-overlooked contributions to folklore and traditional works in Botswana."Location: Gaborone - The Voice, BotswanaOpen to: Creators, members, users and the general publicMore info: https://www.cosbots.com

COSOMA (Copyright Society of Malawi)Campaigns to raise awareness on copyright and collective management in MalawiLocation: Lilongwe - Times Group Broadcasting Station Office, MalawiOpen to: COSOMA creators and members, copyright users, and the general public interested in arts and copyright.More info: https://www.cosoma.mw

NASCAM (Namibian Society of Composers and Authors of Music)Launch of a national copyright education survey and toolkit, along with media engagements to raise public awareness on the value of copyright.Location: Windhoek, NamibiaOpen to: youths and Namibian creators.More info: https://www.nascam.org.na

UPRS (Uganda Performing Right Society)Symposium and discussions on the reviewed Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act (2006), its impact on CMOs, and strategies to strengthen UPRS functions.Location: URSB (Uganda Registration Services Bureau) Auditorium, Kampala, UgandaOpen to: regulators, ministries, enforcement bodies, creators, users of music, policymakers, and the publicMore info: https://www.uprs.ug

ZIMURA (Zimbabwe Music Rights Association)Television interviews on copyright across ZBC, ZTN Prime, Jive, and 3KTV, featuring artists, ministries, and copyright offices.Location: Nationwide broadcast, ZimbabweOpen to: artists, music users, consumers, and industry stakeholders (public access via broadcast)More info: https://www.zimura.co.zw

16 and 19 September 2025

OMDA (Office Malagasy du Droit d'Auteur)Radio broadcasts and official reception of new pensioners, focusing on copyright awareness and social protection measures.Location: Antananarivo, MadagascarOpen to: OMDA pensioners, journalists, artists, and the public (via radio)More info: https://www.omda.mg

24 September 2025

AVRS (Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria), with the Nigerian Copyright CommissionStakeholder workshop on copyright licensing for public performance, bringing together industry, government, and creative sector participants.Location: Abuja, NigeriaOpen to: rights owners, copyright users, policymakers, creative industry stakeholders, hospitality and entertainment sectorsMore info: https://www.avrsnigeria.com, https://www.copyright.gov.ng