By Miriam Zvomuya and Tendai Guvamombe
African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in conjunction with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) today hosted a regional conference on Intellectual Property management in Universities and Research and Development Institutions in Africa in the Capital.
Running under the theme, “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for economic growth and Development in Africa” the two-day conference is expected to focus on capacity of building and skills development on the Intellectual Property management.
Ms. Joyce Banya, a senior Counsellor, Regional Bureau for Africa and WIPO said, Universities must rise up, and they have a crucial role to make greater contribution to the national economic growth and prosperity in the continent, by effectively using the IP System for their research and innovation.
“What is happening to Universities and Research and Development institutions in Africa? Why are these institutions engaged in the pursuance and dissemination of knowledge not providing solutions that adequately address pressing societal challenges in today’s knowledge and market based economy,” reiterated Ms. Joyce Banya.
Fernando Dos Santos, a Director General from ARIPO highlighted that Intellectual Property Management will go a long way in attracting foreign investment and subsequently paves way for sustainable economic growth for African countries.
“Promotion of investment from abroad is important to develop an environment in which industrial property such as patent and trademark is properly protected and this will bring out the economic potential of Africa region, thereby driving sustainable growth in African countries.”
On record ARIPO has facilitated cooperation among member states in intellectual property matters, with the objective of pooling financial and human resources, and seeking technological advancement for economic, social, technological, scientific and industrial development.