BRELA AND BASATA TO COLLABORATE IN PROTECTING ARTWORKS



The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and the National Arts Council (BASATA) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at protecting artworks in Tanzania through the registration of creative works and projects, as well as leveraging intellectual property rights as development capital.


The agreement was signed today, August 12, 2025, in Dar es Salaam by BRELA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Godfrey Nyaisa, and BASATA’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Kedmon Mapana, in the presence of members of the press.


Speaking at the event, Mr. Nyaisa said the agreement seeks to enhance the efficiency of legal and operational mandates through the exchange of information via ICT systems, to simplify service delivery, raise awareness, and educate artists on the importance of formalizing their businesses and protecting their creations.


He explained that the agreement will also facilitate the formalization of entertainment activities, including music and entertainment venues (nightclubs), in line with creative and commercial standards. This will go hand-in-hand with promoting indigenous and traditional Tanzanian art to secure a place in the local market and meet international standards.


“It is undeniable that the creative and arts sector is growing rapidly and becoming an important tool for employment, national identity, and revenue generation. It is our duty as institutions to create a favorable policy, legal, and operational environment to support this growth. Therefore, the signing of this agreement is a crucial first step towards that vision,” said Mr. Nyaisa.


On his part, Dr. Mapana described the move as historic, noting that formalizing artworks through the registration of artists’ trademarks before placing them on the market will provide protection that fosters their economic growth.


“The leading sector in economic growth is the Arts and Entertainment sector, with a 17% growth rate. This growth stems from the hard work of artists, and through the formalization of their works, they will receive free legal education and access to loans through the Cultural Fund, enabling them to grow economically,” said Dr. Mapana.


He also urged musicians planning to participate in the Tanzania National Music Awards (TMA) scheduled for September 2025 to ensure they register their identifying trademarks to safeguard their artistic rights. This call also applies to participants in the beauty pageants that Tanzania will host in 2027.


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