By George M. O. Williams
September 10, 2025: Sierra Leone’s creative economy is facing significant roadblocks due to weak intellectual property (IP) protection, according to a new report by the World Bank titled Unlocking Sierra Leone’s Creative Future: Creative Economy Diagnostic and Road Map for Growth. The report highlights systemic challenges that hinder the development and monetization of content-driven industries such as music, film, and publishing.
Despite the existence of legal frameworks—including the Copyright Act (2011), Trademarks Act (2014), and Industrial Designs and Patents Act (2012)—implementation remains severely limited. The report reveals that outdated manual registration systems, low public awareness, and poor enforcement mechanisms are stifling the sector’s potential.
Staggering Registration Gaps
As of early 2025, Sierra Leone has registered only:
- 5 copyrights
- 8 industrial designs
- 0 patents
In stark contrast, trademarks dominate with 25,952 registrations. The report also notes that no radio stations are licensed under copyright law, and the absence of an online registry or search tool undermines transparency and market confidence.
Field surveys show that many creators are unaware of the benefits of IP registration or how to navigate licensing processes. High costs, complexity, and a lack of trust in enforcement discourage participation. Without tools like metadata tagging, playlist reporting, or airplay tracking, artists are unable to monitor usage or claim royalties.
The report criticizes the lack of a dedicated IP enforcement unit within the police or judiciary. There are no specialized IP courts or tribunals, and infringement cases rarely lead to prosecution.
The World Bank calls for urgent reforms to modernize IP systems, raise awareness among creators, and establish robust enforcement mechanisms to unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s creative industries.