EUIPO Hosts First-Ever Journalist Awards Ceremony in ARIPO Region
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in cooperation with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) hosted the first-ever IP-related journalism awards ceremony in a historic moment for intellectual property (IP) awareness in Africa. This groundbreaking event took place during the 48th Session of the ARIPO Administrative Council on 31 October 2024, in Maseru, Lesotho.
AfrIPI-ARIPO IP Journalists Awards
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in promoting public understanding of intellectual property rights (IPRs). Designed to honour journalistic excellence, the awards celebrated impactful media coverage of IP-related topics across ARIPO’s 22 Member States.
The awards spotlight media professionals who are instrumental in communicating IP-related topics in ways that engage and educate the public. Journalists from the ARIPO region were invited to submit their work covering IP on various platforms such as print, radio, television, and digital media. Their submissions were assessed via a dedicated online portal, and a panel of distinguished experts evaluated the entries based on specific criteria. These included simplifying complex IP concepts for a general audience and highlighting how IPRs intersect with everyday life as well as broader social and business trends.
The importance of intellectual property rights in Africa
IPRs are more than just legal frameworks; they protect the innovations and creative works that drive Africa’s economic growth. With its wealth of natural resources and immense technological and innovative potential, Africa is a fertile ground for new ideas and inventions, promising a bright future. However, challenges such as underdeveloped IP systems and policies for science and technology have made enforcing these rights difficult. Protecting IPRs is crucial for Africa to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2063 African Union’s Agenda.
One of the standout winning entries, Batswana Women Making Strides in the Intellectual Property Sphere by Gosego, beautifully underscores the power of inclusive communication. Effective storytelling, like Gosego’s, is essential to engaging underrepresented groups, such as women and young people, in the IP landscape. By highlighting the achievements of women in intellectual property, this work serves as an inspiring example of how inclusive narratives can attract diverse perspectives and talents. Recognising these voices not only strengthens IP awareness but also fosters a more equitable and innovative environment across Africa.
The EUIPO, through the AfrIPI project, is working to align African IP practices with global standards, support the African Continental Free Trade Area and contribute to a future where innovation and prosperity flourish. The Journalist Awards are just one example of how this project is helping to bring that vision to life by raising awareness and celebrating the role of intellectual property in Africa’s development.
This awards ceremony helped raise public awareness of intellectual property rights by celebrating journalistic excellence and highlighting the vital role IPRs play in Africa’s progress. As a key partner in Africa’s IP system, the EUIPO continues to cooperate with African countries to ensure effective administration, protection, and enforcement of these rights. This initiative represents a crucial step in boosting IP literacy and supporting the media to lead discussions on intellectual property and its impact on Africa's development.