ARIPO DG in High-Level Engagements for South Sudan Accession

The ARIPO Director General, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze, is currently on a high-level mission in South Sudan, as discussions on the country’s accession to ARIPO continue. The mission underscores ARIPO's unwavering commitment to fostering regional integration and leveraging intellectual property (IP) as a catalyst for sustainable development across the continent. South Sudan currently holds observer status within ARIPO, and these engagements are a crucial step towards its full accession as a member state.

As engagements ensue, DG Twebaze and his delegation have engaged in separate, significant meetings with key government officials. These included a productive session with Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Republic of South Sudan, and another with Hon. Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The discussions, held in a spirit of constructive cooperation, focused on the immense benefits that South Sudan stands to gain by acceding to ARIPO. DG Twebaze articulated ARIPO's core message: "We stand with you in shaping a future where Intellectual Property drives development, prosperity, and global positioning."

Highlighting the practical advantages of membership, the Director General emphasized that by joining ARIPO, South Sudan will not only gain access to ARIPO's shared platforms and Protocols but also to invaluable technical expertise, comprehensive capacity-building programs, and crucial policy support. These resources are designed to significantly enhance South Sudan's ongoing legal and economic reforms.

"ARIPO believes that with the right IP frameworks, South Sudan can harness the ingenuity of its people, from youth in Juba’s tech and music scenes to rural women innovating in agriculture, and convert that ingenuity into inclusive and sustainable national wealth," stated DG Twebaze.

The engagements signify ARIPO's proactive approach in expanding its reach and ensuring that all African nations can benefit from a harmonized and robust intellectual property system. South Sudan's potential accession is viewed as a vital step in strengthening the regional IP landscape and fostering innovation-driven economic growth throughout Africa. The mission is studded with optimism for continued collaboration and the eventual full membership of South Sudan in ARIPO.

Director General Bemanya Twebaze and the ARIPO delegation are expected to meet with Rt. Honourable Jemma Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly, Republic Of South Sudan, as part of the ongoing discussions.