ARIPO
in partnership with the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA),
successfully hosted a three-day workshop on Intellectual Property (IP) Asset
Management for Tanzanian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The event occurred
from 21 to 23 July 2025 at Kingjada Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The
workshop brought together a wide range of participants, including SMEs,
inventors, creators, startups, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), and business
incubation centers. The primary objective was to build capacity in identifying,
protecting, and commercializing IP assets, reinforcing the role of IP as a key
driver of business growth and innovation in Tanzania.
In
his opening remarks, Mr. Godfrey Simango Nyaisa, CEO of BRELA, welcomed the
initiative and thanked ARIPO for its continued support in strengthening IP
systems in Tanzania. He stressed the importance of leveraging IP as a strategic
tool for SME success and called on local enterprises to embed innovation in
their operations.
Speaking
on behalf of Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, the Director General of ARIPO, Dr. Outule
Rapuleng delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the workshop’s relevance
in today’s economic context.
Encouraging
IP assets management support for SMEs, the ARIPO DG said, “For many SMEs, their
greatest value lies in what they create, their intellectual property. Their
contribution to employment is well-known globally, at nearly 90%, but with
limited venture capital and declining physical assets in the region, SMEs
should be encouraged to adopt and manage intangible assets,” said Mr. Twebaze.
“From
ARIPO’s perspective, we are committed to working with our partners to build
awareness and capacity through programs that help SMEs identify, protect, and
commercialize their IP assets. A 2019 study showed that SMEs with registered IP
rights earned 50% more income than those without. IP is not just a legal right,
it is an economic asset and a competitive advantage. As we support both
creativity and commercialization, we must remember that the impact of IP
extends far beyond the SME itself. It fuels broader socioeconomic development.”
ARIPO
appreciates BRELA’s efforts in organizing the event and commends the Government
of the Republic of Tanzania for its ongoing efforts in positioning intellectual
property as a development enabler across the region.
ARIPO
looks forward to expanding its collaboration with Member States to empower
African enterprises through IP-driven innovation and entrepreneurship.