Sidumisile Mabena
Mbulelo Mpofu
The African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) on Monday officially launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations with a high-level ceremony held at its Secretariat headquarters in Harare.
The event, which was streamed live to stakeholders across the continent and beyond, marked the beginning of a year-long programme commemorating five decades of advancing intellectual property (IP) protection, innovation and creativity in Africa.
A key highlight of the launch was the unveiling of a special commemorative Golden Jubilee logo, symbolising ARIPO’s enduring legacy and renewed commitment to shaping Africa’s innovation-driven future. The ceremony was held under the theme, “Fostering innovation, creativity, and a sustainable future for Africa,” and drew government officials, diplomats, development partners, IP professionals, innovators, academics, industry leaders and members of the media.
Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Nobert Tichaona Mazungunye, attended the event as Guest of Honour on behalf of Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi.
In his address, Deputy Minister Mazungunye emphasised the strategic role of intellectual property in driving national and regional development. He reaffirmed the commitment of ARIPO’s 22 Member States to strengthening IP systems as a catalyst for innovation, industrialisation, investment and sustainable economic growth.
“Our appreciation to the current and former Directors General of ARIPO and their teams for ably leading this great institution over the years and for formulating robust protocols that have empowered inventors, creators, and businesses across the region,” stated Hon Mazungunye.
ARIPO Director General Mr Bemanya Twebaze described the Golden Jubilee as both a moment of reflection and a call to action.
“Fifty years is a significant milestone for any institution. For ARIPO, it represents five decades of service to our Member States; five decades of delivering intellectual property services across our region; and five decades of supporting inventors, creators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities as they transform ideas into impact,” Mr Twebaze declared in his opening remarks.
He paid tribute to the visionaries who founded ARIPO, acknowledging their foresight in recognising the central role of intellectual property in development. Mr Twebaze also reaffirmed his commitment to guiding the organisation into its next phase of growth.
“I stand before you humbled by the faith you have placed in me, honoured to serve, and proud to lead a team that ensures excellence is not the exception, but the standard,” he added.
Chief Registrar of Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property Zimbabwe (CIPZ), Mr Willie Mushayi, speaking on behalf of the ARIPO Administrative Council, underscored the importance of strong IP administration, institutional cooperation and capacity building in delivering effective services across the region. He commended ARIPO for “five decades of excellence and impact.”
The launch signals the beginning of an ambitious year-long programme of activities. ARIPO announced plans to host a series of high-level symposia throughout 2026, each focusing on key pillars of the intellectual property ecosystem. The platforms are expected to promote policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and partnerships aimed at strengthening Africa’s IP landscape and supporting innovation, industrialisation, creative industries and sustainable development.
The Golden Jubilee celebrations will culminate in a flagship event on December 9, 2026, in Lusaka, Zambia, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre — the historic birthplace of ARIPO under the Lusaka Agreement. The event will feature the ARIPO IP Africa Conference, bringing together policymakers, global experts, innovators, investors and development partners to shape Africa’s future IP agenda.
The Lusaka gathering is expected to serve both as a tribute to ARIPO’s origins and a forward-looking platform to chart the organisation’s strategic direction for the next 50 years, with a focus on innovation-led growth, deeper regional integration and sustainable development across the continent.
Online Reporter