Zambian authorities step-up anti-piracy activity

8th April, 2010

Anti-piracy experts in the southern African state of Zambia say there is a need to intensify efforts against the piracy problem in shops set up at petrol stations across the country.

Kingsley Nkonde, an intellectual property specialist, says it is saddening to see a number of pirate vendors at petrol stations. He made his remarks at a recent anti-piracy event held in the capital city of Lusaka that saw the destruction of pirate CDs and DVDs valued at more than US$34 million (174 billion Zambian kwacha).

Nkonde is confident that the planned decentralisation of the Zambian Police Service Intellectual Property Unit will see a reduction in physical format piracy, as it will encourage other enforcement agencies and stakeholders to take part in anti-piracy work.

Lieutenant-General Ronnie Shikapwasha, the information and broadcasting services minister, also spoke at the anti-piracy event in Lusaka. He said that artists need to be careful when signing contracts with would-be promoters, adding that if they are vigilant about the deals they sign this could curb the infringement of their rights.

The crushed infringing CDs and DVDs had been confiscated at Lusaka International Airport in January 2010.