Zambia to Host ARIPO’s 50th Anniversary in 2026
Zambia has been selected to host the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in 2026, an event expected to attract high-level policymakers, innovators, and private sector leaders from across the continent.
The milestone gathering will provide a platform to showcase Zambia’s ongoing reforms and infrastructure developments, while underlining ARIPO’s enduring commitment to driving innovation and economic growth in Africa.
During a meeting with an ARIPO delegation in Lusaka, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, MP, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, reaffirmed Zambia’s support for African integration, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He, however, stressed the importance of ensuring that new continental structures complement rather than duplicate the work of existing regional institutions such as ARIPO and the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI).
“We are honoured to host this significant event, which aligns with Zambia’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for trade, investment, innovation, and international events,” Hon. Mulenga said.
He added that Zambia advocates for a phased and inclusive approach to the creation of a proposed continental intellectual property office, noting that such a body should harmonise policies, facilitate enforcement, and support innovation and intra-African trade, while leaving technical implementation to ARIPO and OAPI.
Representing ARIPO Director General Bemanya Twebaze, Pierre Runiga, Director of Legal and International Cooperation, welcomed Zambia’s commitment and praised the country’s leadership role in promoting regional intellectual property cooperation.
He was accompanied by Benson Mpalo, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).
