COSBOTS reveals royalty income increase
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday September 8, 2026 10:24
He explained that the development represents growth of approximately 31% compared to the previous financial year. “This growth was supported by continued tariff engagement, expansion into under-licensed areas, improved compliance efforts and stronger market development activity,” Makwinja informed the meeting on Saturday.
“Public broadcasting remained an important licencing category, while increased activity within public performance markets contributed to the expansion of the licencing base.
“COSBOTS also continued refining its approach to events licensing, including the development of annual licensing arrangements for organisations that regularly host events.”
Furthermore, he said the organisation increased attention on debt collection and account management.
The CEO added that growth in receivables during the year reinforced the need for stronger ageing reviews, structured follow-up and timely escalation of persistent defaults.
“COSBOTS will continue focusing not only on invoicing, but on converting licensed use into actual cash collections that can ultimately be distributed to rightsholders,” he said.
He highlighted that COSBOTS continues strengthening its royalty administration processes, with particular focus on improving the quality of usage data, repertoire information and matching.
Makwinja said the value generated through collective management has continued to improve over time.
“Approximately five years ago, the highest individual royalty payment in a distribution cycle was around P50,000. Under Distribution 18, the highest individual payment exceeded P200,000.
“This demonstrates the progress made in licensing, monitoring and rights administration, but the objective remains broader than a few high earners,” Makwinja informed the delegates at the meeting.
He also acknowledged the emergence of artificial intelligence and its impact on copyright administration.
Makwinja said the rapid development of generative AI raises important questions around the use of protected works, repertoire identification, licensing, transparency and remuneration.
“COSBOTS’ immediate focus is on institutional preparedness. This includes strengthening repertoire and metadata systems, improving understanding of emerging digital licensing models and supporting policy development that protects creators while allowing responsible innovation.
“The company will continue positioning itself to administer rights effectively in an increasingly digital and AI-driven environment,” he said.
Meanwhile COSBOTS board chairperson, Bakalanga Malikongwa reminded delegates about why the organisation exists. She said COSBOTS was not established simply to become a bigger institution.
But it exists because creators have rights, because the rights have economic value and because those who use creative works must remunerate those who create the works.
“That is the foundation against which every achievement must ultimately be measured. The financial results presented to members show substantial progress. Royalty income increased from approximately P20.18 million to P26.35 million, representing growth of about 31%, while COSBOTS moved from a comprehensive loss in the preceding year to a surplus of approximately P2.85 million,” she said.
“The Treasurer will account more fully for these figures. From the Board's perspective, however, the significance is straightforward: COSBOTS has restored a stronger financial platform from which it can protect the continuity of rights administration and member remuneration.”
Malikongwa also said members understandably judge a collective management organisation most directly through royalties. She said during the period, royalty distributions remained substantial, although the distribution-to-revenue ratio reduced from approximately 72% to 55.5%.
“That decision was not taken lightly. COSBOTS entered the period carrying an accumulated deficit, while operating in difficult national economic conditions and facing uncertainty around substantial outstanding royalty receivables, including significant amounts being pursued from Government institutions. The Board therefore considered it prudent to rebuild the Society's solvency and liquidity position while maintaining an appropriate buffer for future royalty obligations,” she said,
She said many members rely on COSBOTS royalties as an important source of income adding that the organisation’s responsibility is to ensure that the distribution system is not only fair today but sustainable tomorrow.
“Five years ago, the highest individual royalty earner received approximately P50,000 in a distribution cycle. In Distribution 18, the highest payment exceeded P200,000. That is important progress. But our ambition must be wider than producing a small number of high earners. We want a copyright market in which increasing numbers of Botswana creators experience meaningful economic growth from their works,” she said.