5th All Africa IP Summit 2024 Chair Pays Courtesy Visit to EASTECO in Kigali

5th Edition Annual Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit Rwanda 2024

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As part of ongoing engagements with stakeholders in Africa’s IP ecosystem, Mr. Sand Mba-Kalu, Founder of the International Trade and Research Center and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the All Africa Intellectual Property (IP) Summit 2024, recently paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary of the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO).

Mr Kalu-Mba, who was accompanied by the esteemed academic and intellectual Prof. Pacifique Malonga, a member of the Summit Organising Committee, was on an official visit to extend an invitation to EASTECO and its member states to participate in the upcoming All Africa IP Summit, scheduled to take place from November 28th to 30th, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda.

The All Africa IP Summit 2024, under the theme “Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa,” is set to be Africa’s premier IP event, bringing together key stakeholders from across the continent to discuss the critical role of intellectual property in driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development in Africa.

During the visit, Mr. Mba-Kalu emphasized the importance of EASTECO’s involvement in the Summit, highlighting the Commission’s vital role in promoting science, technology, and innovation (STI) across the East African region, expressing EASTECO’s enthusiasm for collaboration between EASTECO and the All Africa IP Summit, particularly in the areas of IP policy development and its intersection with STI.

“We believe that EASTECO’s participation and support will be instrumental in enriching the discussions at the Summit, particularly given the Commission’s expertise in regional IP policy and strategy. We are eager to explore avenues of partnership that will advance the IP ecosystem in Africa and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa,” said Mr. Mba-Kalu.

In his response, Dr. Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary of EASTECO, warmly received the Summit’s organizing committee delegates and commended them on the laudable initiative, acknowledging the critical importance of intellectual property in fostering innovation and economic development in the region. Dr. Okoth expressed EASTECO’s willingness to participate in and support the Summit, affirming that the Commission would present the IP policies and regional strategies it has developed for the East African region.

“EASTECO is committed to advancing the science, technology, and innovation landscape in East Africa. We recognize that intellectual property is a key component of this agenda. We are pleased to support the All Africa IP Summit 2024 and look forward to contributing our expertise and insights on regional IP policy and strategy,” stated Dr. Okoth.

The visit concluded with both parties agreeing to explore further collaboration opportunities in the build-up to the Summit, focusing on strengthening the nexus between intellectual property and STI in East Africa.

The 5th Africa IP Summit seeks to raise awareness about the role of intellectual property in fostering innovation and Africa’s economic development; Foster dialogue on key issues and challenges related to IP protection, enforcement, and commercialization in Africa; Promote collaboration and networking among policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and practitioners in Africa’s IP ecosystem; as well as increase general awareness about IP among Africa’s private sector stakeholders.