THE STABIT ADVOCATES INSIGHT ON NEW ROYALTIES LAW: What Every Content Creator Needs to Know to Get Paid$.

THE STABIT ADVOCATES INSIGHT ON NEW ROYALTIES LAW: What Every Content Creator Needs to Know to Get Paid$.

The Ministerial Order on Distribution of Royalties – Our Key Takeaways.

As rolled in on 9th September 2026, the landmark Ministerial Order operationalizes Article 350(2) of Law N°055/2024 on Intellectual Property. The Order’s purpose is clear and in a nutshell, the main purpose is to ensure fair remuneration for copyright and related rights holders and provide a system allowing third parties to legally use copyrighted works.

By Stabit Advocates your Top City Lawyers to you the Musicians, Filmmakers, Writers, Photographers, Actors, Comedians, and all content creators, it is worth noting that this is the law that turns your views, plays, and performances into money.

Your Best Lawyers in Rwanda; here summarise for you what you need to know.

1. You Must Be a Registered Member to Be Paid:

Royalties are not automatic. Article 4 says right holders in performing arts, audio-visual, literary and visual arts repertories must apply for membership of the collective management organisation by completing a prescribed form issued by the competent authority.

Who is eligible? (a) Rwandan nationals or foreign right holders who reside or have resided in Rwanda, and (b) Rwandans abroad who have authorised the competent authority to administer their rights.

To do: Register now! STABIT ADVOCATES ANSWERS.

2. Did you know that every Use of Your Work Now Generates a Royalty?

The Law under Article 18 lists the forms of exploitation subject to royalties. This includes:

– Broadcasting and communication to the public,

– Public performance,

– Interactive and immersive technologies,

– Sound recordings used in official and religious ceremonies,

– Public performances and digital streams.

TIP: If your song is played on radio, in a bar, hotel, bus, church, or streamed on YouTube, Spotify, TikTok – that is a collectible use.

3. How Collection Works – And Why It Protects You;

The regulator RSAU is entrusted with collecting royalties from users. Key principles in Article 34:

– Collection is based on an approved tariff – no arbitrary prices.

– Users (radios, TVs, bars, event organizers, digital platforms) must provide a list of works they used or intend to use.

– Royalties are based on number of broadcasts, public performances, and digital streams.

– Money is deposited into a designated account determined and an official receipt is issued.

The Benefit: This stops the old challenges and/or problem of users saying “we didn’t use your work.”

4. The 70-20-10 Formula and How Much You Get?

Article 35 is the most important part for creators:

(a) 70% of revenue is allocated to right holders;

(b) 20% to cover administrative costs of the collective management organisation;

(c) 10% to promotion of the culture and creative industry.

In short per se, for every 100 RWF collected, 70 RWF goes directly to creators (Good News Right?).

5. You Will Be Paid Twice a Year.

Distribution is not equal sharing. It follows two principles:

– Actual use of the work as reported by the user.

– An equitable portion based on the nature of the works and volume of their use.

Article 36 adds transparency: that there must be maintenance to accurate data, and provide each right holder with a detailed account of royalties collected in relation to use of their work, plus an internal audit.

6. Creators Are Now in Charge: 70% Control.

A new Collective Management Advisory Committee is established representing copyright stakeholders.

7. Enforcement is Real.

STABIT Advocates is here to tell you that this Law Protects you! Article 37: There are inspectors with enforcement powers throughout the national territory.

If a user fails to pay royalties or provide guarantee, their authorisation to use works can be revoked in writing.

THE STABIT ADVOCATES RECOMMENDATION ON WHAT YOU MUST DO TODAY TO BENEFIT;

1. Register NOW! – TIP; declare ALL your works (songs, videos, books, photos) with evidence of ownership.
2. Document Everything – Keep all arts related information like release dates, contracts. The distribution depends on accurate usage logs.
3. Monitor Usage – When you hear your work in public, note it. Users are legally required to report, but your own monitoring also helps audit.

Copyright from just being your right into a monthly income!!!

TIP:

1. It only works if you register and declare.
2. Unregistered works cannot be tracked, and;

• Undeclared works cannot be paid.

 Legal assistance with registration and declaration By STABIT ADVOCATES, contact your legal counsel.

At Stabit Advocates, we have a team of professionals who are ready to assist you 24/7 with setting up your Community Benefit Company in Rwanda and as well facilitate you in drafting all necessary documents of incorporation of the CBC. Feel free to contact us using the contact details below.

 Drafted and Drawn by;

Stabit Advocates Rwanda

Email: info@stabitadvocates.com

Tel: +250789366274

Website: www.stabitadvocates.com