A new Copyright Levy System under the Copyright Bill aims to ensure fair pay for creators and protect their rights.

Swapo Party MP Fenny Tutjavi said the system would charge importers, distributors, and manufacturers royalties. These funds would go into a copyright fund to benefit creators.

"The industry is not merely an artistic expression but an economic force," said Tutjavi. She added that the levy will promote innovation, cultural development, and youth empowerment.

"In the age of digital proliferation, where songs, films and books can be copied, shared and consumed at a scale, it is imperative that Namibia adapts its copyright framework to close the value gap," she said. "A functional copyright framework will not only provide income to creators but will also encourage innovation, professionalise the sector and create sustainable career pathways, especially for young people."

The copyright fund will be managed by the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) on behalf of the government. Funds will then be passed on to the Collective Management Organisation for distribution to creators.

Senior IP Officer at BIPA, Clemencia Jacobs, said the system would ensure fair compensation and long-term sustainability for the creative sector.

"It's just a mechanism that we want to compensate our creative sector with," said Jacobs. "So it is essentially a system that gives back to the community who entertains us, who educates us, and who keeps us informed."

The bill is currently before the Cabinet Committee for legislation approval.