The Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS) has taken a significant step toward strengthening the country’s creative industry by hosting a Copyright Users Stakeholder Workshop at Sibane Sami Hotel.
The workshop forms part of the organisation’s ongoing process of developing its Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026–2031 and brought together copyright users from various sectors to contribute insights that will help shape the future direction of the organisation.
ESWACOS, which is mandated under the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act No. 4 of 2018 to administer and manage copyright and neighbouring rights in Eswatini, emphasised the importance of collaboration between creators and users of creative works in building a balanced and sustainable copyright ecosystem.
Facilitated with technical support from SAMKHO Consultancy, the workshop was designed as a consultative platform to ensure that stakeholders’ perspectives are incorporated into the strategic planning process.
Participants included representatives from sectors that regularly utilise copyrighted content, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement.
During the session, participants actively engaged in discussions on key elements of strategic planning.
These included organisational diagnosis as well as SWOT and PESTEL analyses to assess the internal and external environment influencing ESWACOS’ operations. Stakeholders also contributed to the development of the organisation’s Vision, Mission, and Value Statements.
In addition, discussions focused on identifying priority focus areas and defining strategic objectives that will guide ESWACOS’ activities over the next five years.
The collaborative approach allowed participants to share ideas on how the organisation can improve licensing systems, strengthen relationships with copyright users, and enhance the overall management of copyright and neighbouring rights in the country.
ESWACOS noted that engaging users of creative works is essential to building a transparent and effective copyright management system that benefits both rights holders and content users.
By involving stakeholders in the planning process, the organisation aims to develop a strategy that reflects the needs of the broader creative ecosystem.
The insights gathered during the workshop are expected to inform the final strategic plan, which will guide ESWACOS’ efforts to support the growth and sustainability of the creative sector in Eswatini.
The organisation expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in the workshop, noting that their contributions will play a key role in shaping the future of copyright administration in the country.
