Cosoma Bars Media from Key Meeting in Malawi: Transparency Concerns

• Cosoma barred media from a key meeting with Akometsi Limited and Madness Entertainment on August 3.
• The decision sparked questions over transparency and potential implications for future business dealings in Malawi.
• Lawyers advising clients on Malawian business should be aware of this development and its potential impact on negotiations.

This exclusion may set a precedent for future business dealings in Malawi, potentially limiting transparency and accountability.

A high-stakes meeting between Cosoma, now primarily a collective management organization for copyright in Malawi, and two major entertainment companies, Akometsi Limited and Madness Entertainment, has sparked controversy over transparency. The meeting, rescheduled for Monday, 3 August at 10am, was initially confirmed by Cosoma to Counsel Henry Mvula in a letter dated 31 July. However, the society's decision to bar media representatives from attending has raised questions about the motivations behind this move. This exclusion may set a precedent for future business dealings in Malawi, potentially limiting transparency and accountability.

While the Copyright Society of Malawi remains a key stakeholder in copyright, its role in administering and enforcing copyright law has been transferred to the Companies, Registrations, and Intellectual Properties Centre (CRIPC) as of April 2025. Cosoma's decision to shut out media from this meeting, in the context of its previous broader role, may have had far-reaching implications for businesses operating in Malawi. The society's actions may have been seen as an attempt to maintain control over sensitive information and negotiations, rather than promoting transparency and openness. This move could potentially undermine the principles of accountability that underpin fair business practices.

Lawyers advising clients on business dealings in Malawi should be aware of this development and its potential implications for future negotiations. The exclusion of media from key meetings may limit transparency, making it more challenging to hold companies accountable for their actions. As the entertainment industry continues to grow in Malawi, it is essential that businesses prioritize transparency and openness to maintain trust with stakeholders and investors.

Lawyers advising clients on business dealings in Malawi should be aware that the Copyright Society of Malawi's decision to bar media from a key meeting may set a precedent for future negotiations, potentially limiting transparency and accountability.

Source: Original reporting via Nyasa Times