Copyright Fund Disburses Millions to Creatives

The Copyright Fund has announced the disbursement of K229 million to support various projects across the publishing, heritage, poetry, and music sectors.

Speaking after a press conference held in Lilongwe, the fund’s committee chairperson, Robert Kapsyepsye, said the initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of artists by providing financial assistance for growth and innovation nationwide.

“The fund is a baby for the artists, and we encourage them to understand its operations and develop strong proposals to access funding,” Kapsyepsye said.

Kapsyepsye also highlighted the fund’s sustainability, citing a matured Treasury bill investment that has grown from K300 million to K500 million.

“This growth will enable us to increase individual funding to K25 million, helping creatives cope with economic pressures,” he noted.

However, Kapsyepsye stressed the need for a cohesive creative sector to campaign for more funding and support, arguing that the industry is youth-centric and a vital driver of employment.

One of the beneficiaries, Robert Chiwamba, President of the Poetry Association of Malawi, expressed his excitement about the allocation.

“We are very happy because this will make a great contribution towards our quest to establish offices for the Poetry Association of Malawi. For a long time, we have been trying to find sponsors for our headquarters,” Chiwamba said.

Another beneficiary, Sangie Angel Mbekeani, said she will use the funds to empower women and girls through music nationwide.

“I’m so excited to be part of the community that is giving back. I’m trying to promote music and empower women by giving them the necessary resources,” she said.

Mbekeani added that her project targets women and girls aged 18–26, inviting them to submit their music, beat-making, writing, or singing for professional development and support.

By Tiyamike Paul Chisale