The
African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) today hosted a
highly successful Ambassadors Engagement, bringing together diplomatic missions
of ARIPO Member and Potential Member States accredited to Zimbabwe, to foster
deeper dialogue and partnership on the critical intersection of innovation,
intellectual property, and economic development on the African continent. The
event was graced by the Honourable Professor Dr. Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, who served as the Guest of Honour.
In his keynote address, Honourable Professor Dr. Amon Murwira
underscored the inextricable link between innovation and economic growth. He
passionately articulated the vital role ARIPO plays in safeguarding the
ingenuity and creative minds of Africa, to enable them to be self-sufficient
and drive sustainable development. Professor Murwira urged all 16 diplomatic
missions represented at the engagement to actively protect and support ARIPO's
mandate, recognizing its contribution to the continent's prosperity.
Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, the Director General of ARIPO, welcomed the diplomats
and proceeded to emphasise the strategic importance of the gathering.
"Today’s gathering is part of a deliberate effort to deepen dialogue and
partnership," Mr. Twebaze stated. "ARIPO stands as a collective
force, aggregating infrastructure, resources, and expertise for 22 Member
States, and we are confident this number will grow. This engagement provides us
with the opportunity to brief you on ARIPO’s recent work and forward-looking
initiatives, while also drawing on your insights as envoys tasked with shaping
bilateral and multilateral cooperation. You play a critical role in raising
awareness and mobilizing support across your capitals – and for that, we
sincerely thank you." His remarks highlighted ARIPO's commitment to
collaboration and its growing influence as a regional intellectual property
hub.
The event saw the attendance of many distinguished members of the Diplomatic
Corps, including H.E. James Musoni, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and Ambassador
of the Republic of Rwanda to Zimbabwe, and Mr. Willie Mushayi, the Chief
Registrar of the Companies and Intellectual Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ). Their
presence further reinforced the significance of the engagement and the broad
support for ARIPO's mission.
The Ambassadors' Engagement, which was introduced in 2023, serves as a
crucial platform for ARIPO to not only update diplomatic representatives on its
achievements and future plans but also to solicit their valuable perspectives
on enhancing intellectual property awareness and support across their
respective nations. The discussions reaffirmed the collective commitment to
nurturing an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable economic
development across Africa.