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The
African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) hosted a high-level
delegation from South Sudan for a two-day engagement at its Headquarters, from
13 to 14 April 2026.
The
delegation was led by Honourable Mary James Ajith, Undersecretary in the
Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, and included Honourable Madol
Anyuat Madol, Deputy Chief Registrar and Senior Legal Counsel; Ambassador Ahou
Ayok Akech Chol, Director of International Law and Treaties in the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; and Mr. Joseph Aleu Chiman
Garang, Legal Counsel in the National Legislative Assembly.
Director
General Bemanya Twebaze warmly welcomed the delegation, citing this as a
successful continuation of dialogue following to ARIPO’s high level visit to South
Sudan in June 2025. During that visit, the Director General engaged in
productive engagements with government officials, including the Minister of
Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Cooperation, and the Speaker of the National Legislative
Assembly.
In
his remarks, DG Bemanya Twebaze highlighted the strategic importance of
intellectual property frameworks in South Sudan’s national development
trajectory. “South Sudan stands at a defining moment in its national journey.
With a young and dynamic population and with ongoing efforts to strengthen
governance and stability, the next step is to unlock the economic potential of
its people, and that is where Intellectual Property becomes a strategic tool,
not just a legal framework,” he said.
He
further noted that joining ARIPO represents more than a procedural step.
“Joining ARIPO is not simply an administrative decision; it is a bold strategic
choice. It is a statement that South Sudan is ready to participate fully in the
knowledge economy, to protect its ideas, and to compete regionally and
globally.”
Honourable
Mary James Ajith, speaking on behalf of the delegation, reaffirmed South
Sudan’s willingness and strategic intention to building a knowledge-based
economy. She highlighted ongoing national efforts to strengthen legal and
institutional frameworks that support innovation, creativity, and enterprise
development.
The
engagement provided a platform for in-depth discussions on ARIPO’s role in
harmonizing IP laws across its Member States through regional protocols and
shared systems. By aligning national legislation with regional standards, ARIPO
facilitates a more predictable and efficient IP environment, reducing barriers
for innovators and businesses operating across borders.
Practical
areas of support were also outlined, demonstrating how ARIPO works with both
Member States and prospective members to build robust IP ecosystems. These
include strengthening IP policy and legislation, establishing effective IP
administration systems, building national capacity through the ARIPO Academy,
promoting awareness among innovators and creators, and enhancing regional
cooperation.
ARIPO’s
continues to underscore its mandate to support Member States in developing
coherent and aligned IP systems, emphasizing that harmonized IP frameworks are
central to enabling cross-border trade, attracting investment, and fostering
innovation ecosystems that benefit the continent as a whole.
The
visit reflects growing interest among African countries in leveraging regional
frameworks to accelerate development through innovation. As ARIPO continues to
champion the harmonization of IP laws, engagements such as this underscore the
importance of collective action in shaping a competitive and inclusive African
knowledge economy.