ZITF 2024: AfrIPI calls for innovation and growth in intellectual property rights

The Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) actively participated in the 64th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) held in Bulawayo from 23 to 27 April 2024. The ZITF’s theme ‘Innovation: The Catalyst for Industrialisation and Trade’ resonated strongly with AfrIPI’s mission to promote the protection of intellectual property (IP) protection throughout Africa.

AfrIPI believes that IP is a key driver of innovation and economic growth. By protecting ideas through patents, trade marks, copyrights and trade secrets, businesses are incentivised to invest in research and development, ultimately creating new and improved products and services. AfrIPI’s participation at the ZITF served as a platform to educate businesses and stakeholders on the importance of IP protection in fostering a thriving industrial and trade environment in Zimbabwe and Africa.

During the ZITF, AfrIPI representatives offered informative sessions and materials on various IP topics. They aimed to empower businesses of all sizes to understand how to use IP to protect their innovations and further their entrepreneurial journeys. This is in line with AfrIPI’s ongoing commitment to building a robust IP ecosystem that supports Africa’s economic development.