TIMEFRAME FOR COPYRIGHT BILL SUBMISSIONS ‘UNREALISTIC’ – INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Industry players in Zambia’s creative sector are questioning the feasibility of the timeframe given for submissions on the draft Copyright and Related Rights Bill, describing it as “unrealistic” given the complexity of the 100-page document.
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) has invited stakeholders to submit comments on the bill by January 31, 2026. However, industry insiders argue that this deadline is insufficient, particularly for Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) that need to educate their members about the proposed legislation.
“Most of our members aren’t familiar with legal jargon, so we’ll need more time to break it down for them,” said a source close to one of the CMOs. “It’s not just about reading the document, it’s about understanding the implications and preparing meaningful submissions.”
The concerns come as ZAMCOPS and other industry bodies raise red flags over the bill, citing provisions that could compromise artists’ rights and undermine the creative industry. The Zambia Reprographic Rights Society (ZARRSO) has warned that the bill could “destroy the very foundation of our industry” if passed in its current form.
Emerging music artist, Daniel Mwansa, says he’s struggling to grasp the contents of the bill, highlighting the need for more time to digest the document. “Honestly, I don’t understand most of what’s in there,” he said. “I need time to go through it with someone who knows what they’re talking about. I can’t just sign off on something I don’t understand – it’s my livelihood on the line.”
A board member at ZAMCOPS echoed Mwansa’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for PACRA to reconsider the deadline. “We’re not just talking about a simple document here – this is a complex piece of legislation that affects the livelihoods of thousands of artists and creators. We need time to engage with our members, understand the implications, and make informed submissions. January 31 is just not realistic.”
Meanwhile, Zambia Music Copyright Protection Society (ZAMCOPS) Vice Chairperson Danny Mwikisa, also known as Danny Peddle, has expressed concerns over the proposed Copyright and Related Rights Bill, stating it poses a danger to industry players in its current form.
Speaking on Money FM Radio’s special interview with host Nelson Zulu this morning, Mwikisa revealed that ZAMCOPS had submitted proposals two years ago, but they were not included in the draft bill. He questioned the move to take the draft bill directly to the Ministry of Justice, bypassing the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, which oversees Collective Management Organizations (CMOs).
Mwikisa emphasized that the bill requires significant revisions to protect artists’ interests, citing concerns over exceptions and limitations to copyright protection. He urged stakeholders to submit comments before the January 31, 2026 deadline, describing the two-week timeframe given by PACRA as “a mockery” for a 100-page document.
The Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) has invited stakeholders and the general public to submit comments on the draft Copyright and Related Rights Bill, with a deadline of January 31, 2026. The proposed bill, available for public review on PACRA’s website, has sparked fears of government overreach and stripping artists of their rights to fair compensation.
ZAMCOPS and other CMOs, including The Zambia Reprographic Rights Society (ZARRSO), which has issued a warning to writers and publishers, stating that the proposed law risks weakening the foundations that allow authors to earn from their work, are advocating for more progressive provisions that align with global norms.
Mwikisa raised specific concerns over Article 55, which removes artists’ rights to compensation for public performances in educational institutions, and Article 72, which empowers the Minister to make rules for artists, bypassing their Annual General Assembly. He described these provisions as “retrogressive” and “shocking,” arguing that they would undermine artists’ autonomy and strip them of their rights.
He also criticized the proposed shift of CMOs from private to government-controlled entities, stating that it would take Zambia’s copyright management back 50 years and contradict global trends. Mwikisa emphasized that private rights of creatives should be managed privately by themselves, and that government control would stifle the industry’s growth.