By Alfred Zacharia
The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) and the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) have signed a landmark agreement aimed at revolutionizing the country’s creative sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), inked today at BLERA headquarters, sets the stage for a new era of professionalism, protection, and growth in arts, culture, and entertainment.
This partnership is a bold step towards formalizing the creative economy by simplifying business registration for artists and creative entrepreneurs, strengthening intellectual property rights, and promoting the commercialization of Tanzania’s unique talents.
BASATA Executive Secretary Dr. Kedmon Mapana described the agreement as “a foundation for a sustainable creative economy,” emphasizing its role in boosting efficiency and empowering artists to transform their creativity into thriving businesses.
BRELA Director General, Mr. Godfrey Nyaisa, underscored the economic importance of the creative sector, which contributes approximately 17 percent of Tanzania’s GDP and employs millions nationwide.
He said the partnership will harness technology to streamline registration processes, making it easier for artists to protect their works, register their brands, and access affordable legal and financial services.
“We are committed to creating an enabling environment where creative entrepreneurs can flourish,” Mr. Nyaisa stated.
Through this collaboration, BRELA and BASATA will share information, educate artists about intellectual property rights, and support the formalization and regulation of entertainment businesses like music concerts and nightclubs.
They also aim to boost the visibility of Tanzanian talent both locally and internationally by safeguarding artists’ creative works.
With more than six million artists and creative professionals in Tanzania, the partnership seeks to increase formal registrations, unlocking greater economic opportunities for the sector.
Ahead of the upcoming music awards on September 27, 2025, both institutions are urging artists to register their brand names and secure their intellectual property.
The upcoming Miss World Tanzania event will also benefit from this cooperation, as it encourages participants to protect and promote their personal brands.
The signing ceremony concluded with a firm commitment from both BRELA and BASATA to diligently implement the agreement, paving the way for a vibrant, well-regulated creative industry that significantly contributes to Tanzania’s economic growth and cultural heritage.