On 19 August 2024, Africa University launched the 17th cohort of the highly-regarded Master in Intellectual Property (MIP) program, jointly offered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), with the generous support from the Government of Japan.
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Previously housed under the College of Business, Peace, Leadership and Governance (CBPLG), this first cohort next year is expected to graduate under the School of Law (SOL), in line with the university’s strategic realignment. The program is coordinated by Mr Christopher Munguma under the stewardship of the school’s Dean, Dr Tendai Nhenga.
uoyed by the growing recognition of intellectual property (IP) as a crucial driver of innovation and economic development across Africa, the 29 students from Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Lesotho, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, will come together to explore and address the unique IP challenges and opportunities facing their respective nations. The program boasts alumni now occupying influential positions in government, academia, and the private sector, who are making significant contributions to the development of IP systems in their home countries and beyond.
The class of 2024 will not only benefit from the program’s rigorous academic curriculum, but will also have the opportunity to engage in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. These interactions are expected to spark innovative ideas and solutions that can be applied to real-world IP challenges across the continent.
“The main aim of the MIP program is to develop future IP leaders in Africa. You, the students of the 17th cohort, are also expected to become leaders who can integrate IP systems into your economies and industries… Japan will continue to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Africa,” the Ambassador of Japan to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mr Yamanaka Shinichi, said in his remarks during the launch.
The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of IP law, policy, and practice. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers key areas such as copyright, patents, trademarks, and international IP law, all taught by leading experts in the field.
The launch of the 17th cohort also marks the continuation of the university and the partners’ commitment to building a strong network of intellectual property professionals across Africa.
Guest of honor and co-founder of the MIP program, Professor Mpazi Sinjela, took the audience on a nostalgic journey of how it all started, from an idea birthed in Turin, Italy, to finally finding a home at the School of Dreams in the Valley of Hope. Him and his team’s story is one of determination and an unyielding drive to creating a legacy of creating opportunities for Africans in the field of IP knowledge.
The continued success story of the MIP program reflects the dedication of our faculty, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of partners across the continent. The Africa University community celebrates the launch of this new cohort and looks forward to the positive impact they will have on Africa’s intellectual property landscape.
excerpt from a story by Jeannete Dadzie, Staff Writer
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.
