Algeria: ARIPO to highlight role of IP at Intra-African Trade Fair 2025

“IATF 2025 is about expanding Africa’s trade opportunities, and IP rights play a critical role in this shared goal, which will positively impact the continent’s sustainable socio-economic growth,” ARIPO director general Bemanya Twebaze said. “Strong IP systems such as ARIPO’s regional framework enable the protection of innovation, which is a strategic fuel for trade growth.”

As a regional body, ARIPO works to harmonise IP policies across member states, helping reduce barriers to cross-border trade. It registers and grants IP titles on behalf of its members, enabling African and international businesses to protect and move their innovations across markets.

Twebaze added: “A harmonised IP system underpins Africa’s vision of seamless intra-African trade. By protecting innovations, trademarks, patents, and creative works, ARIPO ensures that African businesses can confidently trade, scale their ideas, and compete on the global stage.”

ARIPO has recently participated in regional trade and innovation events, including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in April 2025 and the Kenya Innovation Week in November 2024. Its involvement at IATF forms part of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of IP rights for businesses ranging from small enterprises to large corporates.

Founded nearly 50 years ago, ARIPO will mark its golden jubilee in 2026. The organisation says it remains committed to strengthening intra-African trade by safeguarding innovation, promoting creativity and supporting competitiveness through IP.