South Africa is looking to expand opportunities in its creative economy as government and industry leaders meet World Intellectual Property Organisation director-general Daren Tang during his visit to the country.
Tang told SABC News that the creative sector employs about one million people and contributes roughly 4% of South Africa’s gross domestic product. The figures were presented as WIPO’s assessment of the sector’s current economic footprint.
The visit has focused on how intellectual property can support jobs, investment and growth across film, music, design and other creative industries.
Artificial intelligence and copyright are also part of the discussions. Tang said WIPO sees AI as a tool that should support human creators rather than replace them, while copyright and other intellectual-property rules will remain central to how creative work is protected and commercialised.
South Africa has a large pool of musicians, filmmakers, designers and digital creators, but many still face difficulties turning their work into sustainable businesses. Intellectual-property protection affects how those creators earn from performances, licensing, distribution and the reuse of their work.
The engagements are expected to continue during Tang’s visit, with attention on practical ways to strengthen innovation and improve the commercial value of locally produced creative work.
