Academic institutions have been called upon to integrate intellectual property (IP) education into their curricula as a means of fostering innovation and driving economic growth across Africa.
The call was made during a three-day seminar held at Makerere University under the theme “Fostering Creativity and Innovation for Economic Growth and Development in Africa.” The event brought together stakeholders from academia, government, and regional intellectual property organisations to explore how IP can contribute to Africa’s development.
Registrar General of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Ms. Mercy K. Kainobwisho, stressed the importance of embedding IP education in universities, starting with Makerere.
“As a leading university, Makerere must be a starting point. You have the support to protect the invaluable knowledge generated here,” Kainobwisho said.
She urged the university to offer specialised courses in intellectual property, focusing on the ownership, protection, commercialisation, and use of innovations developed within academic institutions.
Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe echoed the remarks, noting that equipping students with IP knowledge is crucial to preparing them for a competitive and innovation-driven global economy.
“We must equip our learners with the tools to navigate the complexities of intellectual property,” Nawangwe said.
Representatives from the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) also underscored the critical role of IP education in academic settings.
Dr. Byson C. Sabola of ARIPO highlighted how effective management of IP could turn student innovations into commercially viable products. “Imagine the impact if every student could recognise and protect their innovations!” he said.
The seminar featured presentations on national IP systems, technology transfer, and strategies for acquiring and protecting IP rights. ARIPO patent examiner Dr. Makhosazana P. Gamedze led discussions on legal frameworks for safeguarding university-generated IP.
The initiative forms part of a broader campaign by ARIPO and URSB to raise awareness and build institutional capacity for IP education, aimed at unlocking Africa’s innovation potential and transforming research into sustainable economic opportunities.