TANZANIA: DEPUTY Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Sports, Methusela Ntonda has urged stakeholders in the creative industry to actively engage in providing feedback on the draft regulations proposed by the Copyright Society of Tanzania (COSOTA).
He noted that their inputs are crucial for shaping regulations that not only protect their interests but also contribute to the country’s broader development.
Ntonda stressed the importance of balancing personal and national priorities during the consultation process to ensure a holistic approach to the regulations.
He made the statement during the opening of a session aimed at collecting feedback from stakeholders, including artists, authors, book publishers and other creatives touched by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act.
“The regulations being amended include resale rights, voluntary work registration, and provisions for people with visual impairments. Therefore, make sure to provide feedback that will help you benefit more, as this is in line with the vision of the sixth government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ntonda said.
COSOTA Chief Executive Officer and Copyright Administrator, Doreen Sinare, clarified that the development of these regulations follows the amendments made to the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act in 2022.
“COSOTA has received funding to draft these regulations through the Business Environment Improvement Programme (MKUMBI), which is managed by the Office of the President’s Planning and Investment Unit,” Sinare explained.
Emmanuel Ishengoma, the Director of Arts Development Department at the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Sports, urged artists to take full advantage of this consultation opportunity, noting that the government aims to ensure that artists benefit more from the revised laws.
One of the stakeholders present at the meeting, Mgunga Mwamnyenyelwa, commended COSOTA for its efforts in establishing the necessary legal framework to support artists and innovators.
He also urged fellow artists to move beyond complaints and begin taking action by following COSOTA’s guidance to better capitalise on available opportunities.
