How piracy is draining Africa’s creativity
CAPTION: Abby Mukiibi, left, with fellow actors in a move recently. (Courtesy photo).
By Ernest Jjingo
KAMPALA – As Africa celebrated its cultural identity and achievements during Africa Month, creative industry stakeholders are raising concerns about a growing threat to one of the continent’s most promising economic sectors: piracy.
Across Africa, the creative industry has emerged as a significant contributor to economic growth, employment and cultural preservation. Local films, television productions, music and digital content not only entertain audiences but also showcase African stories, languages and traditions to the world.
According to UNESCO, Africa’s film and audiovisual sector employs an estimated five million people and contributes about US$5 billion to the continent’s GDP. The agency estimates that the industry could create more than 20 million jobs and generate US$20 billion in revenue if key challenges
including piracy are addressed.
However, illegal streaming and copyright infringement continue to undermine that potential.
Recent data from anti-piracy company Irdeto shows that more than 40,000 illegal streaming links were removed across Africa in 2025. Despite these enforcement efforts, the same piracy networks attracted more than 17.4 million visits, highlighting the persistent demand for unauthorized content.
Industry experts warn that piracy is having far-reaching consequences beyond lost subscriptions and ticket sales.
“Many consumers downplay piracy, thinking it harmless, while exposing themselves to serious risks,” said Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda. He noted that piracy not only affects businesses but also undermines opportunities for content creators and weakens confidence in Africa’s creative industries.
The impact is particularly visible in countries with large and rapidly expanding entertainment sectors.
Nigeria’s Nollywood, widely regarded as one of the world’s largest film industries by output, produces approximately 2,500 films annually, according to UNESCO. However, the industry continues to struggle with widespread copyright infringement.
Industry estimates indicate that Nollywood loses as much as US$2 billion each year to piracy, limiting the ability of filmmakers and production companies to recover investments and reinvest in new projects.
The challenge is not confined to the film sector. Jamugisa notes that across East Africa, musicians, broadcasters and digital content creators have repeatedly expressed concern about unauthorized content sharing, weak royalty collection systems and the ease with which copyrighted material can
be distributed online without compensation to creators.
Analysts say piracy disrupts the financial model that supports content production. Creating original content requires significant investment, with producers relying on revenues generated through legitimate distribution channels. When audiences consume content through illegal platforms, revenues decline, reducing the resources available for future productions. The consequences extend beyond individual creators and companies.
Local content plays an important role in preserving African cultures, languages and traditions. Films, television shows and music often document social experiences and provide platforms for stories that may otherwise go untold.
As African content gains international audiences through streaming platforms and digital distribution, it is increasingly viewed as a form of cultural export and soft power. Industry observers argue that sustained piracy threatens this progress by reducing incentives to commission and produce original local content.
Research and industry reports suggest that piracy can also discourage investment in the sector. Reduced revenues and uncertainty about returns make investors more cautious, potentially slowing the growth of studios, production houses and other creative enterprises.
Economists note that the effects can ripple through national economies.
Beyond lost earnings for creators, piracy can reduce tax revenues, weaken formal businesses and limit job creation in industries that have been identified as important drivers of future economic growth.
Governments and regulators across Africa have strengthened legal frameworks aimed at protecting intellectual property rights. In recent years, authorities in several countries have conducted operations targeting illegal streaming services and piracy networks, often working with broadcasters, telecommunications companies and law enforcement agencies.
However, experts acknowledge that enforcement remains difficult. Many piracy operations operate across multiple jurisdictions, using offshore servers and technologies that make identification and prosecution challenging.
Industry stakeholders argue that public awareness and consumer education must complement enforcement efforts. While legal action can disrupt piracy networks, changing consumer attitudes is considered equally important in reducing demand for illegal content.
Organizations such as Partners Against Piracy have intensified campaigns aimed at educating consumers about the economic and cultural consequences of piracy. Advocates say the issue should not be viewed merely as a legal or compliance challenge, but as a broader development concern affecting jobs, investment and cultural preservation.
As Africa’s creative economy continues to expand, stakeholders say protecting intellectual property will be essential to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“With local content increasingly reaching audiences beyond the continent, supporting legitimate platforms and respecting copyright protections are critical steps toward ensuring that African creators can continue telling their stories and contributing to economic growth,” Jamugisa said.
As Africa’s entertainment ecosystem becomes increasingly digital and cross- border, the battle against piracy is no longer simply a compliance issue, but a continental growth and cultural preservation challenge.
