Press Release
The
African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) will participate and exhibit at the
2025 Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association
(SARIMA) Conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa, from 2–5 September
2025. This year’s theme, “Expect the Unexpected: Unlocking the Value of
Research & Innovation Management”, aligns strongly with ARIPO’s work of
empowering research institutions through intellectual property (IP) knowledge
and skills, especially in an area where IP is still a secondary concern.
Central
to this mission is the ARIPO Academy, the Organization’s flagship platform for
capacity building, skills development, and knowledge dissemination in the IP
field throughout Africa. ARIPO has become a driving force in strengthening
Africa’s innovation ecosystem by equipping researchers, innovators,
policymakers, and academics with the expertise to integrate IP into their work.
From its Masters in Intellectual Property (MIP) degree programs to professional
development workshops and trainings, ARIPO has nurtured a generation of IP
professionals who are leading innovation and research management across Africa
and beyond.
“Through
the ARIPO Academy, we are not only training professionals but also shaping the
intellectual property landscape of Africa,” said Bemanya Twebaze, ARIPO
Director General. “The graduates and researchers we work with are driving IP
policy, managing innovation, commercializing research outputs, and contributing
to Africa’s socio-economic development in tangible ways. Their impact
demonstrates how critical academic and research institutions are to
innovation.”
At
SARIMA 2025, ARIPO will spotlight how its initiatives support universities,
R&D centers, and innovation managers in leveraging IP tools to advance
research. By bridging the gap between research and commercialization, ARIPO
ensures that Africa’s innovations are not only protected but also brought to
market to address societal needs.
ARIPO
has championed regional IP systems for nearly five decades to drive Africa’s
potential. As the Organization approaches its Golden Jubilee, ARIPO anchors to
the cornerstone of its strategy, ensuring that capacity building, skills
transfer, and knowledge sharing are central to Africa’s innovation and trade
ambitions.