DRC: visual artists included for the first time in the distribution of copyright royalties

Kinshasa, May 5^th, 2026 (CPA) – Visual artists have been included for the first time in the distribution of copyright royalties in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a commission of the Congolese Society of Authors’ Rights and Related Rights (Socoda coop-ca), contacted on Tuesday by CPA. “The General Directorate of the Congolese Society of Authors’ Rights and Related Rights (Socoda coop-ca) informs the general public and all artists in particular that the distribution commission is currently carrying out operations to collect data on exploited works in preparation for the distribution of royalties to take place shortly. The particularity this time is that, for the first time, visual artists are also included. Until now, only musicians and dramatic arts were concerned,” said Aimé Bassay, rapporteur of the Socoda distribution commission. “This latest operation therefore marks a turning point for painters, sculptors and graphic designers. The commission is currently collecting data on exploited works with a view to the payment of royalties, which will take place very soon,” he added. This Socoda official took the opportunity to call on Congolese visual artists to affiliate with the institution by declaring their works. “The distribution commission is committed to listing works by these artists exhibited in several institutions,” confirmed Aimé Bassay, urging artists to work more so that their works can generate revenue in terms of copyright and related rights. “Only works by an author that have actually been broadcast, communicated to the public, or reproduced by users or operators can benefit from royalties through Socoda,” he recalled. “Payment will take place after these data collection operations on exploited works. It is our obligation to pay artists of all categories,” assured Albert Ndosi, deputy rapporteur of the said commission. The data collection operation, launched on April 24, will end on May 18. Socoda has deployed a mission of collectors and inspectors in all public places using works protected by law, tasked with monitoring the exploitation of literary and artistic works, as well as the payment of royalties related to copyright and related rights by all entities using such works. The sectors concerned by this operation include hotels, inns, motels and serviced apartments, nightclubs, lounge bars, snack bars, terraces, bars, restaurants, casinos, broadcasting services, general trade, commercial, industrial and mining companies, lottery companies, among others.