In a landmark move to protect its rich cultural heritage and foster a thriving creative economy, the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport (MOCS), the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), and MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. (MAH) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat piracy and strengthen intellectual property (IP) rights.
This collaborative agreement signifies a unified effort to address the growing threat of piracy, which significantly impacts creators, the economy, and the nation’s cultural identity.
Key Objectives of the MoU:
- Public Awareness: Educating the public on the detrimental effects of piracy and promoting respect for IP rights through various media channels.
- Law Enforcement Collaboration: Sharing intelligence and coordinating actions against piracy activities.
- Capacity Building: Providing training and resources to enhance the capabilities of government agencies, law enforcement, content creators, and educational institutions.
- Legal Framework Enhancement: Strengthening legal provisions and enforcement mechanisms to deter piracy.
Nefisa Almahdi, State Minister of MOCS, emphasized the importance of protecting cultural and creative assets, stating, “This partnership with EIPA and MultiChoice Africa will enable us to take decisive action against piracy and foster a sustainable environment for our creators, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.”
Mr. Endalu Mosisisa, Deputy Director General of EIPA, highlighted the authority’s commitment to safeguarding IP rights and creating a thriving environment for innovation. “By joining forces with MOCS and MAH, we are enhancing our capacity to educate the public about the importance of respecting creative works, craft and recommend policies that strengthen IP protection, collaborate in law enforcement efforts, and, thus fulfilling our mandate to support the development of a robust intellectual property framework in Ethiopia,” he stated.
Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive: Regulatory & Corporate Affairs of MultiChoice Africa, expressed the company’s commitment to Ethiopia’s creative sector. “With nearly 30 years in Ethiopia, we are proud of our commitment to the creative sector. We have hugely invested in local content, partnered with over 200 local production houses, and empowered young filmmakers through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory. By partnering with the MOCS and EIPA, we reinforce our commitment to content protection and combating piracy, supporting Ethiopia’s vibrant creative industry.”
This five-year agreement aims to create a sustainable environment that promotes growth, innovation, and foreign investment within Ethiopia’s cultural landscape.