Manuel

This morning, I met with Mr. Yasuda Futoshi, Deputy Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office (@JPO_JPN), and his delegation on the margins of the @WIPO Assemblies. Our longstanding partnership has strengthened intellectual property institutions, enhanced technical capacity, and supported the professional development of IP examiners across Africa. As we look ahead, our collaboration will increasingly focus on emerging technologies, including AI-assisted examination, digital transformation, digital services, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and green technologies. As @_ARIPO marks its 50th Anniversary, we look forward to deepening our partnership with JPO to strengthen Africa’s intellectual property ecosystem, support innovators and entrepreneurs, and contribute to sustainable economic development across the continent. #ARIPO50 #IntellectualProperty

Strategic partnerships are essential to building modern, future-ready intellectual property ecosystems. On the margins of the 68th @WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, I met with Dr. Abdulaziz Alswailem, Chief Executive Officer of @SAIPKSA, to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation between @_ARIPO and the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property. Our discussions focused on expanding collaboration in capacity building, digital transformation, intellectual property administration, innovation support, and the exchange of technical expertise. As Africa continues to strengthen its innovation ecosystem, partnerships with leading intellectual property institutions will play an increasingly important role in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and sustainable development. ARIPO looks forward to deepening its collaboration with SAIP for the mutual benefit of our institutions and the innovators, creators and entrepreneurs we serve. #IntellectualProperty #Innovation #WIPOAssemblies

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. João Negrão, Executive Director of @EU_IPO, on the sidelines of the @WIPO Assemblies, where we signed an MoU marking a four-year @_ARIPO–EUIPO partnership. Building on the successful first phase of the #AfrIPI project, this renewed collaboration will deepen cooperation in digital transformation, AI, IP data, capacity building and innovation, while strengthening IP systems across the ARIPO region. ARIPO values EUIPO’s continued support as we position IP as a strategic driver of innovation, investment, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

ARIPO is at the 68th Series of the @WIPO Assemblies in Geneva, with Director General, Bemanya Twebaze @BemanyaT leading the delegation. This engagement is strategically important for strengthening ARIPO–WIPO cooperation, advancing the IP priorities of ARIPO Member States, and ensuring Africa’s voice contributes meaningfully to global discussions on innovation, creativity, technology, and sustainable development. #WIPOAssemblies #IntellectualProperty #Innovation @PcRuniga @Mshollah @SuzannaJoyce

This afternoon, I had the honour of conveying ARIPO’s appreciation to WIPO at the 68th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States and of congratulating Director General Daren Tang on his reappointment to a second term. His renewed mandate reflects the confidence of WIPO Member States in leadership that continues to position intellectual property as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, creativity and sustainable development. As ARIPO marks its 50th Anniversary, we deeply value our longstanding strategic partnership with WIPO, which has played a pivotal role in strengthening intellectual property systems, building institutional capacity and advancing innovation across our Member States. We look forward to further deepening this partnership as we work together to promote an inclusive, resilient and forward-looking global intellectual property ecosystem that creates greater opportunities for African innovators, creators and entrepreneurs. #ARIPO50 #IntellectualProperty #WIPO #Innovation #Africa

Investing in young professionals is one of the most strategic investments we can make in Africa’s innovation and intellectual property future. With more than 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, building future-ready institutions requires deliberate investment in young talent today. This morning, I was delighted to welcome three outstanding young professionals from Ghana, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho to the second cohort of the @_ARIPO Young Professional Programme. Through this programme, ARIPO is helping build the next generation of IP leaders, strengthen institutional capacity, facilitate knowledge transfer, and ensure that Africa’s innovation systems remain responsive, inclusive and future-ready. Young professionals bring fresh perspectives, strong digital capabilities and the energy to drive institutional transformation. By investing in them today, we are investing in stronger intellectual property systems, better public institutions and a more innovative and competitive Africa tomorrow. #YoungProfessionals #Innovation #IntellectualProperty #Africa

When intellectual property is strategically managed, ideas become assets, patents become products, research becomes enterprise, and innovation becomes development. For @_ARIPO, the true return on investment in innovation is not the patent itself, but the human development, economic opportunity, and societal progress that innovation makes possible. #IPforDevelopment #Innovation #AfricaInnovation

Africa’s innovation success cannot be measured by patent filings and grants alone. The true measure is whether innovation improves lives, strengthens enterprises, creates jobs, enables technology transfer, and contributes to sustainable economic growth. For @_ARIPO, this is the essence of a strong innovation ecosystem: IP that delivers tangible value to society.

⚽ The FIFA World Cup is not only about football. It is also one of the world’s largest intellectual property ecosystems. Broadcasting rights, trademarks, sponsorships, merchandise, image rights and digital content all depend on strong IP protection. As African teams compete on the global stage, we are reminded that sport creates value far beyond the pitch. Protecting IP in sports helps build stronger brands, support athletes, combat piracy, attract investment and grow Africa’s sports economy. Football inspires millions. Intellectual property helps ensure that value is protected, shared and sustained—on and off the pitch. @FIFA @_ARIPO #WorldCup #IntellectualProperty #SportsIP #CreativeEconomy #Africa #ARIPO50

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Met with CISAC DG Gadi Oron and CISAC Africa Regional Director Samuel Sangwa during the CISAC Centenary Celebrations in Paris. We discussed strengthening copyright cooperation, collective management reforms, digital rights, AI, and fair remuneration for African creators. ARIPO values its partnership with CISAC as we work to build stronger copyright ecosystems and a more vibrant creative economy across Africa. #CISAC100 #Copyright #CreativeEconomy #AfricaCreates

Today, I had the pleasure of awarding the top three winners of the 4th Regional #IntellectualProperty School Clubs Competition at the @_ARIPO Secretariat in Harare. Congratulations to Maranatha School from Liberia @IP_Liberia, the overall winner; David Kaunda National STEM Secondary School from Zambia @pacrazambia, first runner-up; and Saint Therese’s Upper Basic School from The Gambia @Gambia_MOJ, second runner-up. This year’s competition attracted entries from Ghana, The Gambia, Liberia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia, reflecting the growing momentum of IP education across the ARIPO region. Since 2022, the IP School Clubs Project has become an important platform for nurturing creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and respect for creators’ rights among young people. Participation has grown from 306 students and 36 teachers in 2024 to more than 900 students and 80 teachers by 2026 across nine countries. I commend all participating students, teachers, and schools, and thank @WIPO and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea @mcstkorea for their continued support. #IPEducation #YouthInnovation #CreativeEconomy

🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho back to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! 💣🤍 All terms have been verbally agreed between José Mourinho and Real Madrid, waiting to sign all documents. Plan for initial two year deal, JM to travel to Madrid after Real-Bilbao game. The Special One is back.

It was a pleasure to address delegates at the 5th Heads of Intellectual Property Offices Conference (HIPOC) in Maseru this morning, hosted by the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho @LesothoPR. #HIPOC2026 comes at a defining moment for Africa’s IP landscape. #Digitaltransformation and #AI are reshaping how we innovate, govern, protect, and commercialise knowledge. Under the theme, “Digital Transformation: Harnessing AI, Strengthening Governance in IP Offices, and Advancing Regional IP Cooperation,” ARIPO Member States are not only discussing the future of IP. They are shaping it. Our priority is clear: build IP Offices that are modern, trusted, secure, efficient, and inclusive, capable of serving innovators, businesses, researchers, and creators in a fast-changing global economy. I extend my appreciation to the Kingdom of Lesotho for hosting this important conference, and to the Guest of Honour, Hon. Richard Ramoeletsi, Minister of Law and Justice, for reiterating the Government of Lesotho's commitment to advancing IP development in Lesotho. #IntellectualProperty

51 Anos da PRM: Honramos os Homens e Mulheres que Protegem Moçambique 🇲🇿 Recebemos hoje, na Presidência da República, a saudação da Polícia da República de Moçambique, por ocasião do 51.º aniversário da corporação. A PRM continua a desempenhar um papel fundamental na preservação da ordem, segurança e tranquilidade públicas, reafirmando diariamente o seu compromisso com a defesa da legalidade, protecção dos cidadãos e salvaguarda da soberania nacional. Rendemos homenagem a todos os membros da corporação pelo seu patriotismo, coragem e dedicação ao serviço do povo moçambicano. 🇲🇿 #VamosTrabalha

Following my engagement with H.E. President Daniel Francisco Chapo in Mozambique, I reflected further on the country’s immense potential across agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, energy, and the creative industries. In today’s economy, competitiveness depends not only on resources and infrastructure, but also on innovation, technology, brands, and protected knowledge. #IntellectualProperty helps transform creativity into commerce and local ideas into globally competitive products. ARIPO remains committed to supporting Mozambique’s IP ecosystem, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and innovators to drive sustainable development.

Register for the upcoming Plant Variety Protection Symposium: 🔗 aripo.org/events/Plant+V… #ARIPOat50 #PVP #BreedersRights

Productive engagement with the International Trademark Association (INTA) CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo and President Deborah Hampton at #INTA2026 in London. We discussed strengthening trademark ecosystems, advancing global collaboration, and building practical partnerships as African brands scale. @_ARIPO is committed to supporting African brand owners to engage in global IP networks, access international platforms, and build partnerships that enhance brand value and competitiveness. #IntellectualProperty #Trademarks #Brands

IP protects innovation, strengthens athlete branding, promotes fair competition, and drives inclusive growth across ARIPO Member States. As we mark #WorldIPDay 2026, the role of intellectual property in advancing Africa’s sports economy is clear. 🎥 Watch my video message: [youtu.be/lFuz8hqVkKc?si…] #IPAndSports #ARIPOat50 @WIPO