Botswana warns that piracy and unregulated AI threaten creative industries
Botswana's government is pushing for stronger protections around intellectual property and artificial intelligence, warning that without them, the country risks losing control of its cultural assets and missing economic opportunities in the creative sector.
Tshireletso Motlogelwa, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Broadcasting and Information Services, made the case during a media workshop on piracy and AI in Gaborone. He said Botswana and Africa have treated creativity as a minor industry for too long, when in fact film, music, storytelling and cultural work are becoming significant economic drivers globally.
Piracy drains resources from creators
Piracy directly undermines the financial health of the creative economy. When creative works are distributed illegally, producers lose revenue, investors pull funding, and opportunities for emerging creators shrink, Motlogelwa said.
Without revenue protection, creatives cannot reinvest in new productions or mentor the next generation of talent. Intellectual property protections are essential because they allow creators to earn from their work and sustain their careers.
AI poses dual risks and opportunities
Artificial intelligence presents both possibilities and threats for African creatives. AI could support innovation and help preserve African languages, but it also risks extracting African music, voices, art and cultural material for use in global systems without permission or payment.
Motlogelwa called for stronger copyright laws, policy reforms and African-led technological solutions to ensure local creators retain ownership of their work and benefit from technological advances.
African stories and cultural expression should remain controlled by African creators, he said. Locally produced content reflects authentic experiences and identity in ways that outsourced production cannot.
Economic potential beyond mining
Botswana's creative sector could diversify the economy away from dependence on mining. The industry can create jobs, support tourism and provide opportunities for young people.
Stephanie Pillay, CEO of MultiChoice Botswana, said protecting these industries requires collaboration across stakeholders. She highlighted partnerships with the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority, the Copyright Society of Botswana and the University of Botswana as examples of coordinated action.
Media coverage shapes public understanding
Workshop participants were reminded that journalists shape how the public understands piracy and AI issues. Accurate and responsible reporting matters when audiences are forming views on these topics.
For creatives looking to understand how AI affects intellectual property and your work, resources on generative art and AI for creatives offer practical guidance on protecting your rights in a changing technology environment.
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