ARIPO reaffirms commitment to strengthened IP cooperation at WIPO assemblies
Date: 2026-04-22
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Director-General of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization
(ARIPO), Bemanya Twebaze, has attended the 67th Extraordinary Session of the
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Assemblies, where he delivered
ARIPO’s official statement and extended congratulations on the re-appointment
of WIPO Director General Daren Tang.
During
the session, Twebaze commended Tang’s first term in office, describing it as a
period marked by strategic leadership, institutional reform, and a strong
commitment to inclusivity within the global intellectual property system.
He
noted that under Tang’s leadership, greater emphasis has been placed on
ensuring that Africa and other developing regions are not only represented in
global intellectual property discussions but are also active contributors to
shaping international IP policy and benefiting from its outcomes.
Twebaze
emphasized the growing importance of intellectual property in driving
innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development, particularly for
emerging economies seeking to strengthen knowledge-based sectors.
He
also highlighted the strengthening partnership between ARIPO and WIPO, noting
that enhanced collaboration will be critical in expanding capacity, improving
access to IP systems, and supporting Member States in leveraging intellectual
property for economic growth.
The
ARIPO Director-General expressed confidence in continued cooperation between
the two organisations and wished Daren Tang success in his second term,
reaffirming ARIPO’s commitment to advancing the interests of its Member States
within the global intellectual property landscape.
