Kelly Thompson
Chairperson,
Adams & Adams
Simon Brown
Chairperson,
Africa Strategy Committee
Introduction
The global pandemic played havoc with small and large businesses, often with devastating consequences, but with all catastrophes, the human spirit learns from such experiences. The green shoots emerging from the devastation, show encouraging signs for a continent that boasts the largest free trade area (AFCTA) with a 1.2-billion-person market. There is every prospect in the year ahead of yielding growth and harnessing the potential of Africa’s resources and people.
The significant down-turn in economic activity over the past 12 months has, of course, played a significant role in pushing many people into abject poverty, and thus the road ahead is not without challenges. That said, Africans have shown their resilience in times of adversity, and optimism remains that the continent will rebound with growth expected between 1.4 to 2.7%, driven by factors such as investing in the digital economy and infrastructure development.
Denis Bohoussou
Director General of OAPI
Welcome from the OAPI DG
In fact, when properly used, the intellectual property system is a tool for the development of technological innovation. This is clearly evident in the current race for the development and supply of vaccines and treatments to effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the patents system for inventions is of invaluable support.
Furthermore, faced with border closures, many companies have had to reinvent their production and marketing methods, thus emphasising the value of trademarks and other distinctive signs. These intellectual property tools therefore allow for protected goods and services to cross borders and reach other territories in complete security.
Despite this, in Africa, the intellectual property system is not yet considered to be a tool for business and state development. On the contrary, there is a tendency for the intellectual property system to be regarded as an obstacle, a hindrance, and wrongfully so. Therefore, regional intellectual property offices like the African Intellectual Property Organization must make a concerted effort to promote the strategic use of intellectual property by both businesses and states.
We believe that through co-operation and collaboration, we will emerge stronger as a continent and we look forward to a brighter future filled with hope, opportunity, prosperity, and happiness.