21/08/2026
SACII was pleased to participate in an important industry workshop focused on Intellectual Property (IP) in the Creative Sector — exploring its relevance, protection, regulation and, importantly, its role in enabling sustainable growth within the creative economy.
Representing SACII, our CEO Leote Taylor contributed to discussions around IP as a tool for SMME growth, particularly for creative entrepreneurs whose ideas, content and intellectual assets are often at the very heart of their businesses.
One of the key reflections emerging from the engagement was the need for a more connected ecosystem. If we are serious about strengthening IP frameworks within the creative industries, lawmakers, government, creatives, Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), incubators, industry practitioners and institutions cannot continue operating in silos. Policy must be informed by the realities of those creating, commercialising and protecting intellectual property every day.
Government plays a critical role in creating the policy and regulatory environment, but meaningful progress requires the broader ecosystem to be part of shaping the conversation.
And our thinking must extend beyond South Africa. Africa is alive with possibility. There is enormous value in looking to other African nations — learning from their approaches, sharing knowledge and building stronger cross-border collaborations that recognise the economic potential of African creativity and African-owned IP.
The networking was equally valuable, with some exciting new connections and potential collaborators for SACII emerging from the day.
For us, the opportunity is clear: connect the ecosystem, protect our creative assets, strengthen our SMMEs and build an African creative economy capable of growing and competing globally.
