Strengthening Performers’ Rights in Africa: GAVA’s Participation in the 3rd African Regional Seminar on Copyright and Related Rights in the Audiovisual Sector

The 3rd African Regional Seminar on Copyright and Related Rights in the Audiovisual Sector, jointly organized in Lusaka on September 11 and 12, 2024 by ARIPO and GAVA, in cooperation with WIPO, and the Zambian Copyright Office (PACRA), marked another significant step in advancing the recognition, protection, and collective management of audiovisual performers’ rights in Africa.

As a co-organizer of the Lusaka Seminar, GAVA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the audiovisual sector in Africa. By engaging in legislative proposals, policy discussions, technical assistance programs, and future WIPO and ARIPO seminars, GAVA seeks to bring balance to the current landscape.

The seminar brought together the representatives from the audiovisual performers’ CMOs and Copyright Offices of ten African countries, and featured high-level discussions with contributions from government officials, copyright experts, and industry stakeholders.

Gregor Stibernik, a member of the GAVA Executive Committee, participated in the seminar and underscored GAVA’s long-term commitment to supporting the audiovisual sector in Africa. By advocating for fair remuneration rights, promoting stronger collective management systems, and working with regional and international partners, GAVA is helping to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for performers in Africa.

The seminar concluded with key recommendations focused on strengthening the audiovisual sector in Africa; including calling for: increased regional cooperation, advancing fair remuneration rights for performers, supporting CMOs in their development and improving governance, ratifying and implementing WIPO treaties, facilitating cross-border collaboration, and fostering innovation in the digital age (including addressing AI’s impact).