MEDI launches expanded African music industry data portal

According to the organisations, the portal is the first platform to provide continent-wide music ecosystem data across Africa.

New analysis released through the initiative estimates that almost $286 million in recorded music revenue remains uncollected in Nigeria and Kenya alone. The report attributes the losses to gaps in copyright infrastructure, rights management systems and regulatory enforcement.

The initiative noted that, despite the global recorded music market being valued at USD47.5 billion, many countries still lack effective copyright systems and supporting institutions for the music industry. According to the report, 46 countries globally do not have functioning copyright systems, while others face major enforcement challenges.

MEDI said the portal was developed to map national music ecosystems and provide data intended to support policy development, investment and institutional growth within the sector.

The database currently includes information from 65 countries, covering all African states as well as selected countries from other regions. Data available through the portal includes socioeconomic indicators, intellectual property treaty participation, national music policies and details of music rights organisations and institutions.

The organisations behind the initiative said future phases of the project would introduce additional regulatory and market data, country forecasts and investment analysis.

Among the next projects announced is a market study in Côte d’Ivoire being developed in partnership with the country’s Ministry of Culture and Francophonie. MEDI is also exploring the creation of a Music Impact Fund through collaborations with international institutions.

The initiative is supported by partners including IFPI, ICMP, IMPF and other industry stakeholders across Africa.

MEDI was launched in April 2025 during the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York. The initiative is a partnership between the Center for Music Ecosystems and Global Citizen, working with organisations including Universal Music Group, the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group, The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands and PPL.

Read more about MEDI here.