The launching ceremony and the first workshop of Strengthening Intellectual Property Rights Project in Ethiopia (SIPRE), a major 18-month Implemented by Selam Ethiopia in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sport, Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority and Ethiopian Music Sectoral Associations Union and funded by UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD), was carried out at Soramba Hotel on October 3rd 2024.
In his welcoming Speech the founder of Selam Mr. Teshome Wondimu expressed that the challenges surrounding copyright have been well-known for years, stressing that all stakeholders must collaborate to protect creative rights in the arts sector. Her Excellency Nefisa Almehadi, State Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Sport, echoed these sentiments in her opening speech, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to safeguard the creative industry. She extended gratitude to UNESCO for its contributions and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts across various organizations.
In a significant step towards supporting artists, Mr. Nebiyou Baye, Deputy CEO and Head of Creative at Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), announced that the organization is prepared to begin royalty payments for creative works.
Mr. Woldu Yimesel, Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority in his speech noted that recent revisions to intellectual property proclamations recognize the necessity for royalties, a significant step forward after decades of advocacy.
Following the opening remarks, Lawyer, writer and publisher Mr. George Robert, conducted a workshop on Intellectual Property and the status of CopyRight in Africa. His presentation underscored the inefficiencies within Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) in Africa, addressing issues of accountability and transparency in royalty distribution. He called for a unified copyright framework across the continent to unlock the substantial economic potential for creators.
In the panel discussion that followed the presentation Mr. Tadesse Hailu, Manager and Consultant of the Ethiopian Copyright and Neighboring Rights Association highlighted the major challenges facing the sector, particularly the lack of financial resources that are hindering effective operations.
Another panelist Mr. Wossen Mulu, Lead Executive Officer of CopyRights and Neighboring Rights at the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) emphasized the organization’s commitment to updating proclamations and laws to better align with the current digital landscape.
Artist and chair of the Ethiopian Copyright and Neighboring Rights Collective Management Board Haile Roots, expressed and praised Ethiopia’s development of its own data system, in contrast to other countries relying on systems provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He stated that while the current royalty collection system has its flaws, it should commence promptly and be refined over time. Artist Haile urged government support for associations such as the Ethiopian Copyright and Neighboring Rights Association and the Ethiopian Music Sectoral Association Union to bolster the creative sector.
The panel discussed the broader benefits of royalty payments, noting that they not only support artists but also stimulate further creativity, thus enriching Ethiopia’s cultural landscape. The revenue generated from royalties could significantly enhance national income, a point underscored by multiple speakers.
The discussion was productive, addressing critical topics such as the collection and distribution of royalty payments, the key institutions and organizations that should be prioritized in the starting of the collection of royalty, the importance of supporting associations in the sector, and the financial challenges that prevent these organizations from achieving their full potential.
In conclusion, it was announced that Selam and its partners will focus on strengthening associations, enhancing capacity, and launching advocacy campaigns. The need for the government’s ongoing commitment to the sector was underscored, along with a call for more rapid implementation of planned activities. Additionally, the strengthening of collective management societies was emphasized, highlighting the need to improve their organizational capacity to enhance their contributions to copyright.
