ARIPO hosts South Sudan delegation to promote intellectual property cooperation

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has hosted a high-level delegation from South Sudan for a two-day engagement at its headquarters, aimed at strengthening cooperation on intellectual property (IP) development and regional integration.

The delegation, which was led by Undersecretary in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mary James Ajith, and included senior representatives from the judiciary, foreign affairs, and the national legislature.

Welcoming the delegation, ARIPO Director General Bemanya Twebaze described the visit as a continuation of ongoing dialogue following a high-level mission to South Sudan in June 2025, where engagements were held with key government officials on strengthening the country’s IP framework.

Twebaze emphasized the strategic role of intellectual property in supporting South Sudan’s development, noting that robust IP systems can unlock economic potential, foster innovation, and support participation in the global knowledge economy. He added that potential accession to ARIPO would signal the country’s commitment to protecting innovation and enhancing its competitiveness at regional and international levels.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mary James Ajith reaffirmed South Sudan’s intention to build a knowledge-based economy, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks that support creativity, innovation, and enterprise development.

The engagement provided a platform for discussions on ARIPO’s role in harmonizing IP laws across member states through regional protocols and shared systems, which help create a more predictable and efficient environment for innovators and businesses operating across borders.

ARIPO also outlined practical areas of support available to member states and prospective members, including policy development, establishment of IP administration systems, capacity building through the ARIPO Academy, and initiatives to raise awareness among innovators and creators.

The organization reiterated that harmonized IP frameworks are essential for facilitating cross-border trade, attracting investment, and fostering innovation ecosystems across Africa.

The visit reflects growing interest among African countries in leveraging regional cooperation to strengthen intellectual property systems and drive economic development through innovation.