Future of Africa Looks Bright during PACSA Presentation at the World Economic Forum

On 12 May, the Pan-African Composers’ and Songwriters’ Alliance (PACSA) Executive Committee Member Rev. Chimwemwe Mhango spoke on behalf of the organisation at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.

In front of senior government officials including the Minister of Trade and numerous artists, Rev. Mhango introduced PACSA and its history before explaining the organisation’s vision and expectations for improving creative industries in Africa. He then discussed the opportunities and challenges that global digitalisation has introduced to these industries such as greater exposure, a more affordable way of selling artistic works and the possibility to earn more financially, versus a lack of transparency, digital piracy, identification of various platforms and other legal aspects.

Rev. Mhango requested pivotal support from governments to empower African author’s societies and discussed PACSA’s mission to develop African copyright offices responsible for licensing and collecting artists’ remunerations. To this end, PACSA has been making progress on a proposal to allow African music creators to properly register themselves in a well-structured database.

Rev. Mhango encouraged African creators to organise into a single collective voice in order to seize opportunities. To take advantage of developments in the digital revolution, music creators in Africa need to be united. PACSA’s vision was received with excitement and warmth from the audience as Rev. Mhango, convincingly presented the possibility to significantly transform the creative industries in Africa with efforts spearheaded by PACSA, the proper resources and government support.