** Consultations on the creation of a new state -based copyright management company in DR Congo: a turning point for the artistic community? **
On May 15, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the imminent opening of consultations intended for the artistic community. The aim of these discussions are to collect proposals for the creation of a new state -based copyright management company, an initiative marked by a complex context and particularly busy for Congolese artists.
** A need for renewal? **
The implementation of this new copyright management structure seems to meet an urgent need for renewal in a sector undermined by years of tensions and ineffectiveness. The Congolese Company of Rights of Author and Neighboring Rights (SOCODA), which succeeded the National Society of Publishers and Composers (SONECCA) after its liquidation in 2010, is at the heart of a crisis between artists and creators for more than a decade. This conflict raises fundamental questions about the management of artists’ rights, their remuneration and the mechanisms of redistribution of these rights.
The liquidation of Soneca has left an institutional vacuum from which Congolese artists continue to suffer. This situation has led to increasing frustrations regarding the equitable distribution of resources created by cultural works. The promises of a transparent and effective management system, advocated by the authorities, must be carefully assessed in the light of this traumatic story.
** An inclusive advisory framework **
The consultations announced by the ministry aim to include a wide range of votes from all cultural disciplines and all the provinces of the DRC. This constitutes a significant advance in the recognition of the various realities and experiences of artists in a country rich in its cultural diversity. By involving representatives of different sectors and promoting an open dialogue, this approach could transform the frustrations accumulated in a constructive collective vision.
It remains essential that this initiative is not perceived simply as an administrative formality, but as a real expression platform for artists. The mobilization of the artistic community is crucial to ensure that the proposals made meet the real expectations of the creators and aim to rebuild confidence in institutions.
** to fair management **
A central element of discussions around this new company will be the guarantee of fair and transparent copyright management. How to make sure that each creator is paid in a fair way for his work? What measures will be put in place to avoid abuses and ensure that the funds collected are reinvested for the benefit of the artistic community?
Artists must imperatively be at the heart of this reflection. This implies developing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that control the use of resources and preventing errors from the past from happening. International partners, as well as rights management experts, could also play a key role by providing their expertise in order to provide this new structure with recognized practices worldwide.
** Conclusion: A chance to seize? **
The announced consultations represent a unique opportunity for the artistic community of the DRC to redefine the management of its rights. By bringing together the actors of the environment, the Congolese state shows a desire for engagement to a more inclusive and balanced system.
However, this initiative must result in concrete actions and tangible results. The path to collective copyright management that is truly equitable and effective will require sustained efforts, a real political will, and above all, the active involvement of the artists themselves. The ability to build on the lessons of the past will be decisive to succeed in building a future where each artistic voice will be recognized and valued.
It remains to be seen whether this dynamic can actually cause a lasting and salutary change in the Congolese cultural landscape. It is a challenge, but also a precious opportunity to raise the voice of artists in favor of appropriate recognition of their rights.