ADDIS ABABA – The Ministry of Culture and Sports (MoCS), the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), and MultiChoice Africa have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the protection of copyright and related intellectual property issues in Ethiopia.
The agreement, which also includes awareness-raising initiatives, was signed on Tuesday.
Culture and Sports State Minister Nefisa Almahdi emphasized Ethiopia’s wealth of artistic works and the need for strong legal protection.
“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,” she stated.
The MoU builds upon previous collaborations under the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) program, MultiChoice Africa Holdings’ (MAH) Pan-African initiative aimed at curbing piracy. It strengthens the strategic partnership between the three entities, reaffirming their shared commitment to tackling the growing threat of piracy, which negatively impacts creators, the economy, and cultural heritage.
The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority Deputy Director Endalu Mosisa, highlighted the necessity of updating legal frameworks to keep pace with evolving technology and better protect intellectual property.
“This agreement allows us to conduct research on copyright and related rights while also providing input for necessary legal reforms. By working alongside MoCS and MAH, we are enhancing our capacity to educate the public on the importance of respecting creative works, recommending policies to strengthen intellectual property protection, and collaborating on law enforcement efforts,” he said.
MultiChoice Africa Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Group Executive Keabetswe Modimoeng (PhD) underscored Ethiopia’s strategic significance for both commercial growth and socio-development initiatives.
“With nearly 30 years in Ethiopia, we remain committed to the creative sector. We have heavily invested in local content, partnered with over 200 local production houses, and empowered young filmmakers through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory. By joining forces with MoCS and EIPA, we reinforce our dedication to content protection and combating piracy, supporting Ethiopia’s vibrant creative industry,” he stated.
The partnership seeks to establish a sustainable framework that not only safeguards creative works but also fosters growth, innovation, and foreign investment in Ethiopia’s cultural and artistic landscape.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 13 MARCH 2025
