ARIPO Highlights Intellectual Property as Key Driver for Intra-African Trade
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has emphasised the crucial role of Intellectual Property (IP) rights as a cornerstone for intra-African trade ahead of its participation in the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025, taking place from 4 to 10 September in Algiers, Algeria.
“IATF 2025 is about expanding Africa’s trade opportunities, and IP rights play a critical role in this shared goal, which will positively impact the continent’s sustainable socio-economic growth,” said Mr Bemanya Twebaze, Director General of ARIPO. “Strong IP systems such as ARIPO’s regional framework enable the protection of innovation, which is a strategic fuel for trade growth.”
IATF provides Africa’s premier platform for commerce and collaboration, offering ARIPO the opportunity to showcase the vital link between trade, innovation, and IP rights, and how these contribute to Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage.
As a regional body tasked with harmonising IP policies, ARIPO ensures that jurisdictional barriers do not hinder cross-border trade. By registering and granting IP titles on behalf of its Member States, the organisation provides African and international businesses with a system that allows innovation to move across borders securely and efficiently.
A harmonised IP system underpins Africa’s vision of seamless intra-African trade, Mr Twebaze added. “By protecting innovations, trademarks, patents, and creative works, ARIPO ensures that African businesses can confidently trade, scale their ideas, and compete globally.”
ARIPO’s participation in IATF 2025 is part of its broader strategy to engage with businesses, from entrepreneurs and MSMEs to large corporates, raising awareness of how IP can be leveraged to attract investment and expand markets. This approach has previously been highlighted at events such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April 2025 and Kenya Innovation Week in November 2024.
With its Golden Jubilee approaching in 2026, ARIPO has been at the heart of Africa’s innovation and trade agenda for nearly 50 years. By protecting intellectual property and fostering the commercialisation of ideas, the organisation continues to strengthen intra-African trade and competitiveness.
ARIPO is urging businesses across the continent to view IP as a strategic tool for growth and to visit its stand at IATF 2025 to engage with experts on maximising the value of their IP assets.
