As the digital content ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, protecting intellectual property and combating piracy have become defining challenges for broadcasters and content owners across Africa. These critical issues will take centre stage at the upcoming Broadcasters Convention – East Africa 2026, scheduled to take place from 26 – 28 May 2026 at the Emara Ole-Sereni Hotel in Nairobi.
The session, themed “Content Protection and Anti-Piracy Strategies in the Digital Ecosystem,” will convene industry leaders, regulators, technology providers, and legal experts to explore the growing complexity of digital piracy and the strategies required to combat it effectively in an increasingly interconnected media environment.
With the proliferation of OTT platforms, streaming services, and digital distribution channels, content is now more accessible than ever—yet also more vulnerable. Piracy networks have become more sophisticated, exploiting technological gaps and regulatory inconsistencies, leading to significant revenue losses and undermining the value of original content.
Against this backdrop, the session will examine how broadcasters and content creators can adopt more robust and integrated approaches to content protection, combining advanced technologies such as digital watermarking, encryption, and AI-powered monitoring with stronger regulatory frameworks and cross-industry collaboration.
Discussions will also explore how stakeholders can better align enforcement mechanisms across borders, strengthen partnerships with telecom operators and digital platforms, and implement practical solutions to protect monetisation opportunities in a fragmented and fast-evolving digital landscape. By drawing on both global insights and regional experience, the session aims to provide actionable strategies adaptable to the African context.
Commenting on the importance of the topic, Benjamin Pius said: “As digital consumption continues to surge across Africa, the issue of content protection has become both a technological and economic imperative. Broadcasters and content creators must now move beyond reactive measures and adopt proactive, collaborative strategies that not only deter piracy but also safeguard the long-term value of their content investments. This session is designed to bring together the right stakeholders to share insights, solutions, and frameworks that can drive meaningful impact across the industry.”
The Broadcasters Convention – East Africa 2026 is co-hosted and convened by the Association of Professional Broadcasters – Kenya (APB-KE), the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), and Broadcast Media Africa (BMA). The event will bring together decision-makers from across the broadcasting and media value chain to examine the trends, technologies, and policies shaping the future of the sector in East Africa and beyond.
