Music Royalties Collected
Music Royalties distributed
Reprography Members
Reprography Collections
Reprography Royalties Distributed
OUR VISION
“To be the leading CMO in Africa”
OUR MISSION
“We empower creativity through licensing, collection and distribution of royalties, and to ensure fair value to the owners of copyright”
OUR VALUES
Transparency
We are open in our dealings with staff and external stakeholders
Botho
We demonstrate respect, courtesy and civility towards our colleagues and stakeholders
Customer Centric
Putting the customer at the heart of every business decision, ensuring that products, services, and interactions are designed to meet their needs, deliver value, and build long-term trust and loyalty.
Integrity
There is no difference between what we say and what we do
Ownership
We take ownership of the consequences of our actions and decisions
Teamwork
We support each other and collaborate
Empowering Creativity
Licensing content as an enabler to doing business • Fair value from usage of economic rights • Fair remuneration to rights holders • One stop licensing solution for creators
About us
The Copyright Society of Botswana was established in Botswana which was commissioned and became fully operational in November 2011. In 2012 the registration of members together with licensing of users began leading to a successful distribution of royalties in 2014.
We are mandated by the Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act – CAP68:02 of 2006 to licence and collect royalties from users of copyright protected works, to distribute them to copyright owners.
WE ADMINISTER THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS:
As the only Collective Management Organization in Botswana, we are a link between users of copyrighted works and owners of the copyrighted works. Owners (rights-holders) manage their rights through COSBOTS, while the users(broadcasters, DJ’s, libraries etc) have an obligation to acquire a COSBOTS license prior to use of works.
OUR MANDATE
As Botswana’s sole Collective Management Organisation (CMO), COSBOTS is mandated to protect the rights of creators, collect and distribute royalties, and advocate for fair and effective copyright practices.
Rights-holders entrust COSBOTS with the management of their copyright interests, while users of copyrighted works—including broadcasters, DJs, libraries, hospitality establishments, event organisers, and other commercial entities, are legally required to obtain a COSBOTS licence before using copyrighted works.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY COLLECTIVE MANAGEMENT?
A one-stop solution for users seeking to legally access and use creative works, and for creators seeking protection and remuneration for the use of their works.
The administration and licensing of copyright and related rights on behalf of creators and rights holders.
The collection and distribution of royalties to rights holders when their works are used by licensed users.
Our Objectives
Increase revenue collected by COSBOTS
Improve operational efficiency
Implement Corporate Governance best practices
Continuously forge for innovative solutions to deliver service
Ensure COSBOTS forges for and maintains a good brand
COSBOTS Business Ethics and Governance
COSBOTS is committed to upholding the highest standards of business ethics, guided by principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory frameworks.
As a collective management organisation, COSBOTS operates in accordance with its statutory mandate to administer rights and manage royalties on behalf of its members.
All monies collected from users are distributed to rights holders efficiently, accurately, and transparently, in line with approved distribution policies, legislative requirements, and contractual obligations.
We ensure that our operations are subject to proper governance, financial controls, and reporting mechanisms to safeguard the interests of our members.
Our Commitment to Members and Creators
Members benefit from the use of their works through structured licensing, monitoring, and royalty distribution processes.
COSBOTS is dedicated to supporting and empowering creativity by ensuring that creators receive fair compensation for the use of their works.
We encourage rights-holders to register their works with COSBOTS. Membership is open to eligible individuals and entities, while associations may also be formed to strengthen representation within the reprographic sector.
INDUSTRY INFORMATION
The following provides information related to the industry;
• Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act CAP 68:02
INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT:
The Copyright Society of Botswana (COSBOTS) began through enactment of the revised Copyright and Neighboring Rights Act CAP 68:02 in June 2006… Read more
If you want to take your craft seriously, registering is the first step
Barolong Seboni
It is very important to register, I made the time to register, that is how important it is.
Lioness Ratang
I urge creatives to register with COSBOTS, so that they are supported and their works are protected.
Alforce Nleya
Promoter