The
African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) yesterday
officially launched its 50th Anniversary year celebrations and
unveiled its commemorative Golden Jubilee logo at a high-level ceremony held at
the ARIPO Secretariat. The event, which was streamed live to stakeholders
across Africa and beyond, marked the beginning of a year-long programme of
activities celebrating five decades of advancing intellectual property (IP)
protection, innovation, and creativity across the continent.
Under
the theme “Fostering innovation, creativity, and a sustainable future for
Africa,” ARIPO’s golden jubilee year launch brought together government
representatives, diplomats, development partners, IP lawyers, innovators,
creators, academia, industry leaders, and members of the media. The unveiling
of the 50th Anniversary logo symbolised ARIPO’s enduring legacy and
its renewed commitment to shaping Africa’s innovation-driven future.
Honourable
Nobert Tichaona Mazungunye, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and
Parliamentary Affairs, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. He underscored
the strategic role of intellectual property in national and regional
development, reaffirming the commitment of ARIPO Member States to strengthening
IP systems as a catalyst for innovation, industrialisation, investment, and
sustainable growth across Africa.
“Our
appreciation to the current and former Directors General of ARIPO and their
teams for ably leading this great institution over the years and for
formulating robust protocols that have empowered inventors, creators, and
businesses across the region”, said Honourable Mazungunye.
Delivering
opening remarks at the ceremony, ARIPO Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze,
described the Golden Jubilee as both a moment of reflection and a call to
action.
“Fifty
years is a significant milestone for any institution. For ARIPO, it represents
five decades of service to our Member States; five decades of delivering
intellectual property services across our region; and five decades of
supporting inventors, creators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities as
they transform ideas into impact,” he said.
Mr.
Twebaze paid tribute to the visionaries who laid the foundation of ARIPO,
acknowledging their foresight in recognising the central role of intellectual
property in development. He further reaffirmed his commitment to stewarding the
Organization into its next phase of growth, alongside a dedicated Secretariat
and responsive governing bodies.
“As
we gather here, we do so with gratitude for those who came before us.
Visionaries unified by a shared belief that intellectual property would be
central to Africa’s development. I stand before you humbled by the faith you
have placed in me, honoured to serve, and proud to lead a team that ensures
excellence is not the exception, but the standard,” he said.
Mr.
Willie Mushayi, the Chief Registrar of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual
Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ) gave remarks on behalf of the ARIPO Administrative
Council, highlighting the importance of robust IP administration, institutional
cooperation, and capacity building in delivering effective and accessible
intellectual property services across the region, and commended ARIPO for five
decades of excellence and impact.
As
part of the Golden Jubilee commemorations, ARIPO will convene four high-level
symposia throughout 2026, each dedicated to a critical pillar of the
intellectual property ecosystem. These strategic platforms will foster
high-level policy dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnerships aimed at
strengthening Africa’s IP landscape and support innovation, industrialisation,
creative industries, and sustainable development.
The
anniversary year will culminate in a flagship main event on 9 December 2026 in
Lusaka, Zambia, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the home of
the Lusaka Agreement, which established ARIPO. The landmark gathering will
feature the ARIPO IP Africa Conference, bringing together policymakers, global
experts, innovators, investors, and development partners to shape Africa’s
future IP agenda.
This
historic event will serve as both a tribute to ARIPO’s origins and a
forward-looking platform to chart the strategic direction for the
Organisation’s next 50 years of innovation-led growth, regional integration,
and sustainable development.