The 16th Cohort of the Masters in Intellectual Property was officially launched on the 17th of August 2023 at the Africa University campus in Mutare. The Masters in Intellectual Property program established in 2008 is jointly offered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Africa Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Africa University with support from the Government of Japan. Its objective is to create a critical mass of Intellectual Property Experts in Africa to underpin the continent’s broader development agenda by patenting, protecting and safeguarding African innovations and research.
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Speaking at the opening of the ceremony, AU Vice Chancellor Reverend Professor Peter Mageto who took time to reflect on the long-standing partnership between WIPO, ARIPO, AU and the Government of Japan. This partnership has yielded a number of outstanding alumni who serve in high level positions across the continent spearheading the crafting of national Intellectual Property policies in their home countries and giving African innovations room to compete globally with fair reward and recognition going to creators.
The Minister of State of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Manicaland, Honourable Matikenyeri represented by the Director of Economic Affairs, Mr. Munyaradzi Rubaya said, “It is through innovation that Africa can develop. We have the people and the resources, what we lack is value addition and this can only be done through research, innovation and protection of the outputs of innovation. Africa University compliments the Government of Zimbabwe’s efforts to develop the nation into a middle-income economy by 2030 and it shall therefore always be there to support the university in this journey.”
Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe His Excellency Satoshi Tanaka highlighted that Japan’s economic development was borne out of strong and robust IP structures that created an environment ripe for the rise of entrepreneurship and product development. He went on to speak to Japan’s legacy of support to Africa’s development agenda and goals.
Ms. Martha Chikowore, Acting Head, Academic Institutions and Executive Programs, WIPO Academy, emphasized the importance of the program and strategic value of partnerships to provide relevant, purposeful programs that allow students to pursue career development while making a difference to the society and world.
WIPO is a self- financing specialized Agency of the United Nations with 193-member states. WIPO is committed to supporting innovation and creativity for economic, social and cultural development of all countries. Aligned to this, WIPO also aims to transform IP education by focusing not only on legal aspects but also on business, trade, economic and financial aspects to expose more people to the field who look to translating their ideas into reality.
Speaking on behalf of ARIPO, Head of the ARIPO Academy Dr. Outule Rapuleng said, “We add our voices to those of our partners who affirm their commitment to the continuation of this program ensuring that Africa’s critical IP needs are addressed. We hope to increase the number of scholarships for this program that we currently provide and to continue supplying resource persons for course delivery and instruction. We further pledge our facilities at our Headquarters in Harare for the practical training of students making them readily accessible. Our annual award for outstanding academic achievement and leadership shall also stand to motivate and recognize those enrolled in each cohort.”
The Masters in Intellectual Property is one of Africa University’s high-level flagship programs among the likes of Child Rights and Childhood Studies, Public Health, Malaria Research and International Relations. The institution’s burgeoning centers of excellence are leaving a mark on the continent through research, innovation and development.
excerpt from a story by Takudzwa Michael Tsuro, Africa University Website
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Africa University Fund transforms Africa by educating and empowering students from across the continent through Africa University, the first fully accredited, United Methodist-related educational institution on the continent. The Africa University Fund supports the general operating expenses of Africa University including faculty and staff salaries and vital infrastructure. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
