Africa's Music Copyright Gaps Hold Back Industry
Weak royalty systems and outdated copyright laws across the continent are limiting how artists and investors earn from music.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Music — General
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The Music Economy Development Initiative presented figures on weak copyright systems across Africa at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos. Approximately 70 per cent of the continent's copyright frameworks have not been updated since 2017.
Why it matters
Weak royalty collection institutions are a major obstacle to unlocking the continent's music economy, and weak enforcement undermines the effectiveness of existing copyright laws. Stronger protections could give artists fairer compensation and governments new routes to employment and exports.
Only three African collective management organisations are connected to international royalty collection networks, while about 70 per cent of the continent's copyright frameworks predate 2017. The report does not detail which countries are included in the regional tallies or how much royalty revenue is currently being left uncollected.
The players
Music Economy Development Initiative
An organisation that presented regional analysis of copyright and royalty systems across Africa at the CANEX WKND 2026 summit.
The details
Stream-ripping lets users download music without paying for legitimate access, and bars, shops and public venues often play music without licences. Limited internet connectivity, high data costs and restricted access to digital platforms further constrain how the industry can monetise content.
Timeline
2017: Most African copyright frameworks were last updated.
2026: CANEX WKND 2026 summit held in Lagos, where the figures were presented.
Industry Landscape
Collective management organisations are the mechanism through which songwriters, artists and performers are paid for the use of their work, and the figures show this system is unevenly built across Africa. Coverage for songwriters exceeds coverage for performers, and only three organisations are linked to international royalty networks.
Consumers in regions with weak royalty collection may find fewer licensed platforms and more reliance on unlicensed streaming and downloads. Stronger enforcement could shift how and where listeners access music, though the source does not specify timelines.
The takeaway
Stronger copyright enforcement and updated frameworks could give African artists fairer pay and give investors greater legal certainty.
Further reading
For broader context on how royalties and rights shape the global industry, see Music — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Voice of Nigeria.
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