Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its intellectual property (IP) system and appealed for enhanced cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to support innovation, industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, made the call during bilateral engagements with WIPO Director-General Mr Daren Tang on the sidelines of the 68th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mrs Nyemba said Zimbabwe was implementing key reforms to modernise its intellectual property framework, including reviewing the National Intellectual Property Policy and Implementation Strategy to align it with technological advances and evolving innovation systems.
“We are also progressing the Geographical Indications Amendment Bill and related Regulations while advancing preparations for participation in the Lisbon and Hague Systems,” she said.
“These reforms demonstrate our commitment to developing an intellectual property regime that supports industrialisation, value addition, commercialisation of innovation and sustainable economic growth.”
She said Zimbabwe was seeking WIPO’s continued technical support to complete the modernisation of the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office through the full digitisation of records, the deployment of additional Industrial Property Administration System (IPAS) modules, and the strengthening of institutional capacity.
Mrs Nyemba said Government also wanted WIPO’s support for the Chipinge Coffee Geographical Indication Project, particularly in registration, commercialisation, producer capacity development, and sustainable governance structures, as well as assistance in hosting a Geographical Indications Examination Training Workshop in March next year.
She said Zimbabwe also required support in reviewing the National Intellectual Property Policy and Implementation Strategy, expanding specialised training and fellowship opportunities for intellectual property professionals, strengthening the country’s readiness to participate in the Madrid, Lisbon and Hague systems and broadening intellectual property awareness programmes targeting schools, universities, small and medium enterprises, women, youth and emerging innovators.
Mrs Nyemba commended WIPO for its longstanding partnership with Zimbabwe and said its technical assistance has significantly strengthened the country’s intellectual property ecosystem.
“Allow me to express Zimbabwe’s sincere appreciation for the longstanding partnership we enjoy with the World Intellectual Property Organisation,” she said.
“We are grateful for WIPO’s consistent technical assistance and capacity-building support, which has significantly strengthened our national intellectual property ecosystem.”
She said WIPO has been instrumental in modernising the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office through the Industrial Property Administration System, improving the efficiency, reliability and accessibility of intellectual property services.
Mrs Nyemba said WIPO’s support for the Chipinge Coffee Geographical Indication Project has demonstrated how intellectual property could promote rural development, support producers and increase the value of Zimbabwean products.
She said WIPO has also strengthened trademark administration, promoted intellectual property awareness through the IP Schools Clubs Programme and supported broader institutional capacity development.
Mrs Nyemba said Zimbabwe also looked forward to working with WIPO to develop intellectual property-driven value chains that empower rural communities, women, youth and agricultural producers while enabling Zimbabwean innovations and traditional products to compete on regional and international markets.
“Zimbabwe remains deeply grateful for WIPO’s friendship and unwavering support,” she said.
“We value this partnership and look forward to deepening our cooperation so that intellectual property continues to drive innovation, industrialisation, inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.”
