Copyright, access to knowledge, and SDG 4 in Southern Africa

SDG 4 provides for inclusive and equitable quality education for all and the promotion of lifelong learning. The availability of, and access to, quality and affordable teaching and learning materials are key requirements for good education at all levels. Most learning materials are copyright protected, and the COVID-19 pandemic has proved that copyright can impede access to learning materials. This chapter examines the national development plans, intellectual property (IP) policies and copyright laws, as well as relevant case law, of Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe to show the link between copyright and access to knowledge and the implications for the attainment of SDG 4 in the Southern African context. After identifying inherent weaknesses in the policies, national development plans and laws under review, the chapter concludes that the absence of a copyright regime that is focused on development impedes the availability of and access to teaching and learning materials, thus frustrating the attainment of SDG 4 in selected countries. The chapter suggests possible legal and policy reforms for each country in line with the objectives of SDG 4. The conclusions may be applied to the rest of Africa.