ACA2K comparative review of research findings : copyright and access to knowledge in eight African countries

Co-published with the LINK Centre, University of the WitwatersrandThe African Copyright and Access to Knowledge (ACA2K) Project acknowledges there are many barriers to access to learning materials, such as the high prices of books and student poverty; the project has also revealed that copyright law is another important barrier. The research suggests that an appropriate copyright environment, combined with other measures to make access to materials more affordable, could be key to a well-functioning tertiary education system. Throughout the study countries, systemic copyright infringement is widespread. Access to learning materials is largely obtained through copyright infringement. Findings suggest that copyright laws, regulations, policies and practices are problematic and should be reformed