WIPO-ARIPO seminar call for strengthening of IP management in Africa
Players in the African cultural and creative industries (CCIs) sector have been urged to strengthen Intellectual Property (IP) management in order to boost the continent’s economic, social, and cultural development.
The call was made at the WIPO-ARIPO Regional Seminar at the Hyatt Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The seminar, titled Copyright: A Driver of the Creative Economy, is organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).
The event brought together leaders in IP from across the continent, including Collective Management Organisations (CMOs), policymakers, government representatives, and other stakeholders to explore how copyright can catalyse the growth of the creative economy, contributing to Africa’s economic, social, and cultural development.
ARIPO director general Bemanya Twebaze said the event underscores the critical role of copyright in empowering Africa’s creative industries and advancing the continent’s global competitiveness.
He emphasised the crucial role that copyright plays in the creative economy across the continent and encouraged stakeholders to remain focused on strengthening rights management systems across all facets of the cultural and creative industries.
“Thanks to the digital revolution, African film, music and books have made great progress in commercialising their brands and connecting with global markets allowing for their creative industries to expand and securing the continent’s place as an important contributor to the global arts.” WIPO copyright Development Senior Coordinator Sherine Greiss said.
“This is a positive development provided that African creators can trace the success of their works which is only secured through an enabling copyright ecosystem addressing both the legal framework and an effective rights management system.” Sherine added.
WIPO is an agency of the United Nations focused on providing services that enable creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to protect and promote their intellectual property.
It provides practical tools, data, and insights aimed at boosting efficiency in rights management at a global level.
The event in Harare is a follow-up to the Nairobi Strategic Plan, established in Nairobi in 2019, and the WIPO-ARIPO Sub-Regional Conference held in Harare in 2022.
