The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the
African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) today at the 7th SADC Industrialization Week in Harare.
This landmark MOU aims to foster collaboration in various intellectual property
(IP) areas, which are crucial for creating a favourable trade and investment
climate across the region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, His Excellency Mr. Elias
Magosi, the SADC Executive Secretary, emphasised the importance of intellectual
property for the bloc's economic and social development. "We are signing a
very important instrument between SADC and ARIPO, and SADC recognises the
importance of intellectual property rights", he said, adding that the
rights of African indigenous knowledge holders and innovators must be
protected.
ARIPO Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze expressed
gratitude to H.E Magosi and the SADC Secretariat for acknowledging that IP
rights protect the people's livelihoods to transform economies. "We aim to
work with SADC on technical assistance, capacity building and knowledge sharing
in line with intellectual property...", said Mr. Bemanya. He noted that
the collaboration was off to a great start, given that 50% of the 22 ARIPO
Member States are also part of SADC.
The MOU outlines several key areas of cooperation that will
guide the partnership between SADC and ARIPO, including but not limited to
promoting the IP system as a tool for trade and investment; harmonisation of
policies, laws, and strategies; promotion of innovation and creativity;
strengthening regional and national IP administration systems; and enhancing
business competitiveness for SMEs in local, regional, and international
markets, amongst other areas of collaboration.
ARIPO's focus is on supporting SADC's industrialisation
agenda by leveraging IP as a catalyst for industrial growth across member
states.
This MOU represents a commitment from both SADC and ARIPO to
work collaboratively towards achieving shared goals that benefit not only their
respective member states but also significantly contribute to regional
integration efforts. By combining resources, expertise, and strategic
initiatives, both organisations aim to create an environment conducive to
sustainable economic growth through enhanced intellectual property frameworks.