UDSM: IP management key to economic growth
DAR ES SALAAM: THE University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has said that effective management of Intellectual Property (IP) provides a pathway to economic transformation and prosperity.
UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, said IP fosters local industry development, supports research and development and enables the commercialisation of inventions, literary works and artistic creations.
“IP is crucial for safeguarding innovation, maintaining a competitive edge, creating new revenue opportunities and building brand value in business.
It’s an asset that helps businesses grow, succeed and protect their market position,” he said The VC said this yesterday during the opening of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO)’s World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Training of Trainers programme for the Eastern African IP hub in Dar es Salaam.
Prof Anangisye said the studies showed that economy with strong IP frameworks are better positioned to attract foreign direct investment, facilitate technology transfer and promote overall economic growth.
Furthermore, many African countries including Tanzania are still in the process of strengthening their IP frameworks to fully harness its benefits.
The complexities of IP law, coupled with the fast-paced changes in global trade, technology and innovation make it necessary for countries to continue updating and adapting their IP policies and strategies to align with the fast-changing global realities.
The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Godfrey Nyaisa said policy and legal frameworks play a major role in shaping the IP infrastructure of any country.
He said that in order for Tanzania to effectively leverage its intellectual property assets for economic growth, the government has worked towards establishing a national IP policy.
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The policy aims to ensure proper and coordinated management of IP, fostering innovation and creativity and encouraging entrepreneurship.
“In order for Tanzania to achieve economic development through the utilisation of intellectual property assets, the government has worked to establish a national IP policy to ensure proper coordination, promote innovation, creativity and encourage entrepreneurship,” said Mr Nyaisa, “the policy is in the final stages of development”.
He said by creating a conducive environment for the protection and utilisation of IP, the country seeks to stimulate business innovation and attract investment, contributing to sustainable economic progress.
“Our desire is to enhance the role of IP in sectors such as technology, entertainment, agriculture and manufacturing which are vital for the nation’s development,” Mr Nyaisa said.
BRELA uses the ARIPO MS-Module which is an integration of IPAS and ARIPO system to facilitate real-time receiving of ARIPO applications which designate Tanzania for protection.
The training brought together stakeholders from several countries including Rwanda, Uganda, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Egypt, Kenya and the United Kingdom.
