The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) is set to commence its 50th Anniversary celebrations in Lusaka, Zambia, on December 9, 2026. The theme for this significant milestone is ‘Fostering innovation, creativity, and a sustainable future for Africa.’
ARIPO, an intergovernmental organisation, plays a vital role in facilitating cooperation among its Member States regarding Intellectual Property (IP) matters. Its primary purpose is to pool resources for the promotion, development, and harmonisation of IP laws and policies across its Member States. The objectives of ARIPO include establishing common services and organs for IP coordination, development, and harmonisation.
Currently, ARIPO comprises the following Member States: Botswana, The Kingdom of Eswatini, Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, The Kingdom of Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, São Tomé & PrÃncipe, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Further information about ARIPO can be found on their official website at www.ARIPO.org.
Anniversary Celebrations and Events
The 50th Anniversary will feature the Africa IP Conference, which aims to showcase ARIPO’s achievements, review significant milestones, and outline future goals for IP development across the continent. The event is expected to attract over 500 participants from various sectors, including government representatives, organisations, partners, the private sector, academia, and IP professionals.
Throughout 2026, ARIPO will host a series of high-level symposia, each focusing on critical pillars of the IP ecosystem. These symposia include:
- Brands and Trademarks Symposium (April 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia)
Theme: ‘Building Value Through Branding: Unlocking the Power of Brands and Trademarks for Business Growth and Competitiveness’
This symposium will delve into how robust trademark systems can empower African enterprises, enhance competitiveness, and cultivate trusted brands in both regional and global markets. - Nurturing Agricultural Innovation Symposium (June 2026 in Arusha, Tanzania)
Theme: ‘Nurturing Agricultural Innovation: Advancing the Protection of New Plant Varieties for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa’
Discussions will centre on plant variety protection as a means to stimulate agricultural research and development, fortify food security, and support climate-resilient agricultural practices. - Protecting Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore Symposium (August 2026 in Swakopmund, Namibia)
Theme: ‘Harmonising Heritage and Innovation: Protecting Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Expressions of Folklore’
This symposium will examine the policy and legal frameworks necessary for protecting Africa’s diverse heritage while promoting responsible research, innovation, and equitable benefit-sharing.
To enhance the ARIPO @ 50 experience, exhibition slots will be available for institutions, companies, innovators, creators, and partners to showcase their IP-related products, services, and success stories. These exhibition spaces will be offered for a fee.