Story by ZBC Reporter
ZIMBABWE has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its intellectual property system through continued collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) as part of efforts to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.
Speaking during bilateral engagements with WIPO leadership on the sidelines of the 68th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Permanent Secretary for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Mrs Vimbai Nyemba, who led the Zimbabwean delegation, said WIPO’s support has played a key role in modernising the Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office.
Mrs Nyemba highlighted WIPO’s contribution to the Chipinge coffee geographical indication project, describing it as a flagship initiative demonstrating how intellectual property can promote rural development, support producers and enhance the value of Zimbabwean products.
She also acknowledged WIPO’s support in strengthening trademark administration and expanding intellectual property awareness through programmes such as the Intellectual Property Schools Clubs Programme.
WIPO is further supporting Zimbabwe’s institutional capacity development to enable the country to harness intellectual property as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Mrs Nyemba called for continued assistance in reviewing the National Intellectual Property Policy and Implementation Strategy, while also seeking expanded specialised training and fellowship opportunities.
The engagements come as Zimbabwe accelerates reforms aimed at strengthening its intellectual property framework and reviewing the National Intellectual Property Policy and Implementation Strategy to keep pace with technological advances and evolving innovation systems.
