Organizers argued that artistic freedom cannot be sustained without viable creative industries, fair compensation models, and regulatory environments that protect both expression and livelihoods. Across sub-Saharan Africa, however, constitutional guarantees of free expression remain uneven, producing a landscape where creative work is often entangled with political risk. The principle, she explained, reflects the extent to which artists can work independently and produce creative work without fear of restriction. Artistic expression, she noted, plays a vital role in shaping public discourse, strengthening cultural identity and advancing inclusive governance. Legal protections, they argued, are often undermined by restrictive legislation that curtails artistic rights and narrows the space for creative expression.

Source: Ethiopian News February 14, 2026 13:42 UTC