The Senegalese Society for Authors' Rights and Related Rights (SODAV) expressed its deep satisfaction following the firm instructions given by the President of the Republic during the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in favor of protecting artists and effectively leveraging their rights. At the heart of this presidential directive is the effective implementation of the private copying levy (RCP).

For SODAV, this decision marks a historic turning point in the recognition, protection, and promotion of the rights of Senegalese creators—authors, performers, and producers. It is fully in line with Law No. 2008-09 relating to copyright and related rights, as well as the international commitments undertaken by Senegal regarding intellectual property.

A crucial legal step is expected.

While the political will is now clearly demonstrated at the highest levels of government, SODAV reiterates that the effective implementation of the private copying levy remains contingent upon the President of the Republic signing the implementing decree. This text constitutes the final essential administrative step to allow the system to enter into force.

Private copying levies, already in place in several countries, compensate creators for the reproduction of their works for personal use on digital media. Their implementation in Senegal represents a major lever for ensuring fairer remuneration for rights holders and strengthening the funding of the cultural sector.

A national mobilization around the issues of RCP

For several weeks, the SODAV Board of Directors has been conducting a broad national advocacy and awareness campaign targeting artists, the general public, and relevant authorities. The objective: to explain the major issues surrounding the RCP (Remuneration and Compensation Scheme), which go beyond the simple question of remuneration to encompass cultural sovereignty and the structured development of the Senegalese arts sector.

For SODAV, the implementation of this mechanism is a strategic issue, capable of guaranteeing sustainable resources for creators while consolidating the national cultural economy.

A leadership praised at the highest levels of government

The collective management society also wished to acknowledge the political will affirmed by the Head of State, as well as the involvement of the Minister in charge of Culture, the Secretary of State in charge of Culture, Creative Industries and Historical Heritage.

According to SODAV, this dynamic fits perfectly with the spirit of the National Transformation Agenda Senegal 2050, which places culture and creative industries at the heart of the country's economic and social development.

SODAV is ready to support the State

Finally, SODAV reiterated its full commitment to supporting the Senegalese government in making private copying levies a tangible reality for the benefit of all creators. It advocates for an inclusive, equitable, and structured approach capable of ensuring a sustainable future for the Senegalese cultural sector.

With this development, artists and rights holders in the country could soon see a long-standing demand realized: the effective recognition of the value of their works and the guarantee of fair compensation.