Nation seeks to boost innovation by modernising IP laws

Source: Nation seeks to boost innovation by modernising IP laws – herald

Rutendo Nyeve-Online Reporter

GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creators to access streamlined global protection for their industrial designs to strengthen competitiveness, encourage innovation and enhance participation in global value chains.

This was revealed by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi at the World Symposium on Geographical Indications (WIPO) in Victoria Falls yesterday.

Minister Ziyambi said the Government has already made significant strides to modernising the intellectual property framework and aligning it with best international practices.

“I am proud to announce that Zimbabwe is actively pursuing accession to two landmark international instruments: the Lisbon Agreement on Geographical Indications and the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.

Our efforts to join the Lisbon Agreement signal our determination to provide strong, effective, and internationally recognised protection for Zimbabwe’s origin-linked products — be they our aromatic teas, unique agro-products, or artisanal crafts rooted in our cultural landscapes.

“This step will not only enhance the economic viability of rural and indigenous producers but will also ensure that Zimbabwe’s distinctive heritage is properly acknowledged and safeguarded on the global stage,” said Minister Ziyambi.

Minister Ziyambi said the Government’s commitment to accede to the Hague Treaty is a strategic move to foster innovation in design and industrial creativity.

“By joining this international system, Zimbabwe aims to empower its entrepreneurs and creators to access streamlined global protection for their industrial designs, thereby strengthening competitiveness, encouraging innovation, and enhancing our participation in global value chains.

“These measures are integral to Zimbabwe’s broader intellectual property policy and implementation strategy anchored in reform, institutional strengthening, and digital transformation,” said Minister Ziyambi.

He said as the nation is updating the national IP laws and modernising the operations of the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO) with a clear vision to establish an ecosystem where creativity, knowledge, and innovation flourish within a framework of legal certainty and international alignment.

Minister Ziyambi said Zimbabwe’s engagement in the symposium, organised in close partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) further reflects the Government’s policy of active re-engagement with the international community, and embracing economic diplomacy, regional integration, and sustainable development as key pillars of our national transformation agenda.

The two-day symposium has attracted delegates from across the world with a resounding affirmation of Africa’s growing voice and relevance in the global intellectual property discourse.