Webinar | Session 6: AI, IP and the Creative Economy

Webinar | Strengthening South Africa’s Future AI Policy Session 6: AI, IP and the Creative Economy This webinar formed part of the “Strengthening South Africa’s Future AI Policy: A Reflexive Policy Dialogue” series, convened by the African Cyber Law Conference (ACLC) in partnership with the Mandela Institute at the Wits School of Law. Anchored in the ACLC 2026 theme, “Resilient and Responsible Design: Governing AI, Expression and Digital Media,” the series extended key conference discussions into a focused dialogue on shaping South Africa’s AI policy landscape. Session 6 explored the intersection of artificial intelligence, intellectual property (IP), and the creative economy, focusing on the imperatives needed to protect creators, performers, and developers in the era of generative AI. The discussion examined legislative gaps, evolving rights frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms required to support fair protection, recognition, and compensation within an increasingly AI-driven creative sector. Presenters: • Prof. Tobias Schönwetter – Intaka Centre, University of Cape Town • Adv. Thato Moloto – North-West University • Prof. Desmond Oriakhogba – Centre for African Intellectual Property Law (CAFIL), University of the Western Cape 📅 Recorded on 9 June 2026 This session contributed to the broader policy dialogue on developing a balanced and forward-looking AI framework that supports innovation while safeguarding intellectual property rights and the sustainability of South Africa’s creative economy.