Ezulwini – Manqoba Khumalo, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, supports the legalisation that requires broadcasters to boost on-air play of local music from its current 12% standing.
Speaking at the commemoration of World Intellectual Property Day 2026 under the theme “IP Has Got Game: Intellectual Property and Sports” at Happy Valley in Ezulwini, Khumalo said they are collaborating with the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology to have the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act regulations.
“We are currently working on the systems that are needed to be included so that we can know how much playtime an artist acquired on radio or TV and what that means to him”, he said. 
Khumalo said, other than broadcasters, it should be clear in law how much a person stands to benefit from national events and further called for the law that compels the private sector to comply.
Khumalo highlighted the critical role intellectual property plays in unlocking economic opportunities even within the sporting sector, the focus of the event.
He emphasised that modern sport extends beyond competition, encompassing branding, innovation, technology, media content, merchandising, and entrepreneurship, all of which are powered by intellectual property.
Eswatini is making progress since last year’s World IP Day celebrations with advancements made in copyright management, increased uptake of music licensing, and growing participation in collective management structures.
Athletes, sports clubs, innovators, entrepreneurs, broadcasters, and event organisers are encouraged to view intellectual property as a strategic business tool that can protect valuable assets, create new revenue streams, attract investment, and drive sustainable economic growth.
