Ethiopia Joins Forces with MultiChoice Africa to Strengthen IP Protection and Combat Piracy

In a significant development for intellectual property protection in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport (MOCS), the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), and MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. (MAH) have formalized a partnership through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa, seeks to combat piracy and strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights, thereby promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and creative economy.

The MOCS is charged with preserving Ethiopia’s cultural wealth, including its history, language, art, and sports. Established in 2003, EIPA administers and implements state policies on intellectual property to reinforce IP protection nationwide. MultiChoice Africa, a leading entertainment company with nearly three decades of presence in Ethiopia, has played a pivotal role in delivering quality content to Ethiopian audiences and supporting local media development.

This MoU builds upon previous efforts under MultiChoice Africa’s Partners Against Piracy (PAP) program, a Pan-African initiative aimed at curbing piracy. The renewed collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the three entities to address the growing threat piracy poses to creators, the economy, and Ethiopia’s cultural legacy.

- Public Awareness Initiatives: Leveraging diverse media platforms to educate the public on the negative impacts of piracy and the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.

- Law Enforcement Collaboration: Facilitating information and intelligence sharing to identify and take action against piracy offenders.

- Capacity Building: Offering training and resources to enhance the skills of government agencies, law enforcement, content creators, and educational institutions.

- Legal Framework Enhancement: Working together to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms to deter piracy effectively.

H.E. Nefisa Almahdi, State Minister of MOCS, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Protecting our cultural and creative assets is paramount. 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.”

Echoing this commitment, H.E. Endalu Mosisa, Deputy Director General of EIPA, stated, “EIPA is committed to safeguarding intellectual property 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 fulfill our mandate to support the development of a robust intellectual property framework in Ethiopia.”

Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive for Regulatory & Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Africa, highlighted the company’s longstanding engagement in Ethiopia: “This MoU is a leap in fostering relations between the three entities. We view Ethiopia as a strategic market for both our commercial growth and key socio-development initiatives. 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.”

The MoU is designed to remain in effect for five years, with provisions allowing for amendments and extensions as necessary. The signing ceremony in Addis Ababa was attended by invited guests and members of the media, marking a milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to protect intellectual property and promote sustainable growth in its cultural and creative sectors.

This partnership aims not only to protect creative works but also to stimulate innovation, attract foreign investment, and foster a thriving cultural economy in Ethiopia.