MBABANE – April 16, 2025 — Eswatini joined the rest of the world on Wednesday in commemorating World Intellectual Property Day, with this year’s celebration placing music at the heart of the conversation. Themed “Feel the Beat of Music,” the event was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, bringing together stakeholders in the creative industry and government.
Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, led the national observance and called for stronger protections for artists and innovators through accessible intellectual property (IP) frameworks.
“This year’s theme brings together creativity and commerce—where the soul of music meets the structure of law,” said Khumalo. “Music tells our stories, shapes our identities, and unites us. Every sound we enjoy comes from a creator who deserves not only applause but ownership.”
World Intellectual Property Day, celebrated annually on April 26, is aimed at raising global awareness about how IP rights encourage innovation and protect the work of creators.
Khumalo called for simplified IP registration processes, equitable enforcement, and stronger public awareness efforts—from local communities to international platforms. He also stressed the need to build partnerships that support and elevate Eswatini’s creative sector.
“Our goal is an ecosystem where creativity thrives, where no artist fears exploitation, and where every beat, lyric, and performance is protected by the law,” he said.
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