Piracy, understood as the unauthorized acquisition, use, sharing or sale of copyrighted content, continues to pose a serious threat to the national economy.
With the aim of raising awareness and training media professionals, a training session entitled “Impact of Piracy on the Economy” took place in Luanda on Tuesday, September 30.
The session was led by Fernandes Wanda, interim coordinator of the Center for Social and Economic Research at Agostinho Neto University, who warned of the profound damage piracy continues to cause to the Angolan economy. According to the academic, this illicit practice affects tax revenues, discourages innovation, and weakens the formal market.
At the event's opening, Estefania Sousa, Director of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice, highlighted the lack of awareness, even among legal and communications professionals, regarding current legislation. "Many people still believe that piracy is not a crime, which is why awareness-raising efforts have been ongoing," she noted.
She also assured that further outreach and clarification actions are planned by state and regulatory bodies. She believes that "it is essential to promote campaigns that make it clear that these practices are criminal and have legal consequences."
The training was organized by the Anti-Piracy Partners (PAP), a multi-sector coalition that develops educational and awareness campaigns on the impacts of piracy in the country.
