The 20th Session of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) Council of Ministers concluded in Accra, with Rwanda strongly represented by the High Commissioner of Rwanda to Ghana, H.E. Rosemary Mbabazi. 

The high-level meeting brought together Ministers, government officials, and regional partners to advance Africa’s collective efforts in promoting innovation, creativity, and socio-economic transformation through effective intellectual property (IP) systems.

Delivering Rwanda’s message to the Council, High Commissioner Mbabazi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its IP landscape. 

She highlighted that in 2024, Rwanda gazetted a new Intellectual Property Law designed to modernize the national IP framework and align it with international standards.

On the sidelines of the meeting, High Commissioner Mbabazi held discussions with the Director General of ARIPO, Mr. Bemanya Twebaze. 

The two officials explored avenues to further enhance Rwanda’s IP systems and deepen collaboration with ARIPO in fostering innovation-driven development.

The Council of Ministers meeting was officially opened by Ghana’s Solicitor General, Mrs. Helen Akpene Awo Ziwu, who delivered a statement on behalf of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. 

In his remarks, President Mahama underscored the vital role of intellectual property rights in fostering a secure environment for innovation and investment in Africa. 

He stressed that intellectual property is a key mechanism for transforming knowledge into valuable commercial assets and urged member states to establish strong legal and administrative structures to ensure their citizens fully benefit from the IP system.

The meeting concluded with the Council endorsing Namibia’s offer to host the 21st Session of the Council of Ministers.