Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling digital piracy, warning that the illegal practice is costing Malawi millions of kwacha in lost revenue, undermining the country’s creative industry and discouraging investment.

The commitment was made in Blantyre during the National Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Digital Piracy, which brought together government officials, regulators, internet service providers, broadcasters and players in the creative industry to develop a coordinated response to the growing challenge.

Speaking on behalf of Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Dr. Shadric Namalomba, Director of Government Communication Services Deogratias Mmana said digital piracy has become normalised, with many people accessing copyrighted content through illegal streaming platforms and unauthorised downloads without considering the consequences.

“Digital piracy deprives artists and content creators of their rightful earnings, reduces government tax revenue and weakens Malawi’s digital economy. We need stronger collaboration, tougher enforcement and increased public awareness to curb this growing problem,” said Mmana.

Meanwhile, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) Director General Dr. Mayamiko Nkoloma said although digital piracy involving local content is not yet widespread, Malawi must act before the problem worsens.

“This forum provides an opportunity for Malawi to learn from global best practices, including technologies capable of disrupting illegal live streaming services in real time, as we strengthen the protection of intellectual property and our growing digital economy,” said Nkoloma.

CANAL+ Group Head of Content Protection Simon Minkowski also expressed optimism that the company’s anti-piracy technologies could help Malawi reduce digital piracy and better protect copyrighted content.