Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport (MOCS), the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), and MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. (MAH) built upon a strategic partnership among the three entities, underscoring their shared commitment to address the escalating threat of piracy, which impacts creators, the economy, and cultural heritage.
The MOCS is dedicated to promoting and preserving Ethiopia’s rich cultural wealth, history, language, art, and sports. EIPA, established in 2003, is responsible for administering and implementing state policies on intellectual property to strengthen IP protection in Ethiopia. MultiChoice is Africa’s largest media company.
The MoU will remain in effect for five years, with provisions for amendments and extensions. The MOU signing ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, was attended by invited guests and media.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation focusing on:
- Public Awareness Initiatives: Utilizing various media channels to educate the public about the detrimental effects of piracy and the importance of respecting intellectual property rights.
- Law Enforcement Collaboration: Sharing information and intelligence to identify and act against individuals and entities involved in piracy activities.
- Capacity Building: Providing training programs and resources to enhance the capabilities of government agencies, law enforcement bodies, content creators, and educational institutions.
- Legal Framework Enhancement: Collaborating to strengthen legal provisions and enforcement mechanisms to deter piracy.
The Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport is responsible for promoting and preserving Ethiopian culture and creative arts and promoting sports. “Protecting our cultural and creative assets is paramount,” stated H.E. Nefisa Almahdi, State Minister of MOCS. “This partnership with EIPA and MultiChoice Africa will enable us to take decisive action against piracy and foster a sustainable environment for our creators, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.”
The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority is mandated to protect intellectual property rights within the jurisdiction of Ethiopia. “EIPA is committed to safeguarding intellectual property rights and creating a thriving environment for innovation,” added H.E. Endalu Mosisa, D/Director General of EIPA. “By joining forces with MOCS and MAH, we are enhancing our capacity to educate the public about the importance of respecting creative works, craft and recommend policies that strengthen IP protection, collaborate in law enforcement efforts, and, thus fulfilling our mandate to support the development of a robust intellectual property framework in Ethiopia.”
The partnership aims to create a sustainable environment that not only protects creative works but also promotes growth, innovation, and foreign investment within Ethiopia’s cultural landscape.
Further reading
MOCS, EIPA and MultiChoice Africa signs MoU to combat piracy and support Ethiopian creative sector. Press release. March 12, 2025. MultiChoice Group
Why it matters
MultiChoice Africa has been providing entertainment services and programming to Ethiopian subscribers for nearly three decades.
Positioned as a landmark move, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to collaboratively combat piracy and enhance the protection of intellectual property rights in Ethiopia, safeguard Ethiopia’s cultural heritage and bolster its creative economy.
“This MoU is a leap in fostering relations between the three entities. We view Ethiopia as a strategic market for both our commercial growth and key socio-development initiatives,” said Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive: Regulatory & Corporate Affairs of MultiChoice Africa. “With nearly 30 years in Ethiopia, we are proud of our commitment to the creative sector. We have hugely invested in local content, partnered with over 200 local production houses, and empowered young filmmakers through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory. By partnering with the MOCS and EIPA, we reinforce our commitment to content protection and combating piracy, supporting Ethiopia’s vibrant creative industry.”
