Africa-Press – Eswatini. A new opportunity is opening for Eswatini’s creative community. UNESCO has awarded E1.5 million to the Copyright Society of Eswatini under the initiative “Reinforcing Copyrights for Eswatini’s Cultural and Creative Industries”. The funding aims to empower local creators, from musicians and filmmakers to artisans and digital innovators, while ensuring they are fairly rewarded for their work.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, offered his appreciation to UNESCO and partners who continue to support the growth of the country’s creative industries. He also recognised the Copyright Society, the Copyright Office, and the wider community of rights holders who play a crucial role in shaping Eswatini’s cultural identity.
“Copyright is more than legal protection, it’s the heartbeat of innovation, culture, and economic growth,” Minister Khumalo said. “It fuels livelihoods and empowers businesses of every size.”
The UNESCO funding will be directed towards several key goals: building capacity for creators and rights holders, developing a strategic five year roadmap, and strengthening royalty distribution systems. The Minister encouraged Emaswati to educate themselves about their rights, register their work, and ensure they benefit fully from these structures.
Through this initiative, the government aims to foster transparency and accountability while creating a strong foundation for a self sustaining creative sector. For Eswatini’s artists and innovators, the project represents not only support but a chance to grow professionally and secure their future.
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