This Thursday, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), the Ministry of Youth and Arts (MOYA), and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) convened a consultative meeting with artists from various sectors to discuss the draft Ministerial Order on the organisation and operation of the Collective Management Organisation (CMO). This order, currently under development, is set to support the implementation of the recently enacted Law on the Protection of Intellectual Property.

The consultation aimed to ensure that the Ministerial Order comprehensively addresses key aspects of royalty collection and distribution, safeguarding the rights and earnings of artists and content creators.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, emphasised the importance of intellectual property protection in fostering a thriving creative industry.

“A thriving creative industry, supported by strong intellectual property laws and a well-functioning Collective Management Organization (CMO), is crucial to ensure that artists receive fair compensation for the use of their works, leading to a more sustainable and profitable career in the creative industry”, Minister Sebahizi stated.

Ngabo Brave Olivier, Permanent Secretary at MOYA, highlighted that this initiative responds directly to artists’ calls for stronger protection of their intellectual property. Many have raised concerns about not receiving fair benefits from their creative works.

Niragire Marie France, President of the Rwanda Arts Council, expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda for its continued efforts in promoting the arts and transforming them into a viable industry.

The consultation marks a significant step towards strengthening intellectual property rights and ensuring that artists and creatives benefit equitably from their work.