Sierra Leone proudly hosted the 4th Heads of Intellectual Property Offices Conference (HIPOC) for African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) Member States on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at the prestigious Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown. Themed: “Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Transformative Leadership and Intellectual Property,” the high-level gathering brought together key stakeholders from across the continent to chart a path toward strengthening Africa’s innovation and intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.

The event was jointly organized by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and the Office of the Administrator and Registrar General. In her opening remarks as Chairperson, Madam Saptieu E. Saccoh, Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, commended Sierra Leone’s evolving IP landscape and the country’s proactive role within ARIPO since joining in 1980. She emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in promoting IP awareness and enhancing national capacities in managing innovation.

Delivering the keynote address, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., described the African continent as standing at a decisive crossroads. He declared that IP must be viewed not as a luxury but as a strategic pillar for sustainable development.

“Africa must transition from being consumers of innovation to becoming its architects,” the Minister stated, underscoring the need for transformative leadership and bold policies to unlock Africa’s creative and technological potential.

He outlined key initiatives under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration aimed at modernizing Sierra Leone’s IP regime, including reforms to legal frameworks, capacity building and strategic partnerships with ARIPO and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Alpha Sesay also highlighted pressing issues such as counterfeit goods, brain drain and the misappropriation of indigenous knowledge, calling for harmonized regional IP policies, digital transformation of institutions and inclusive empowerment, especially for women and youth.

“History will judge us not by the elegance of our policies but by their tangible impact on the lives of African innovators,” he concluded.

ARIPO Director General, Bemanya Twebaze, lauded Sierra Leone for its leadership and hospitality. He praised Madam Saptieu E. Saccoh’s stewardship and expressed optimism following his meeting with Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, whom he described as deeply committed to the advancement of IP in Africa.

“I was energized by his passion for intellectual property and his assurance that ARIPO can always count on Sierra Leone’s support,” Bemanya Twebaze remarked.

Addressing the digital age’s opportunities and challenges, he noted the need for readiness and strategic foresight:

“Emerging technologies offer tremendous promise but only to those prepared to harness them. The future of African innovators lies in our hands and the time for bold leadership is now.”

Ms. Martina Baindu Egbanda, Administrator and Registrar General, highlighted how transformative leadership is essential for turning IP into a tool for national progress. She pointed to successful initiatives such as the SmartKorpor digitized non-tax revenue system (supported by the African Development Bank), Albert Gulama’s Integrated Trade Services platform and innovations from local inventors.

She called for deeper integration of IP education into entrepreneurial and economic development programs, emphasizing the importance of inclusive innovation strategies that empower communities across the nation.

Minister of Communications, Technology and Innovation, Madam Salima Bah, drew attention to Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy, projecting its potential to generate $712 billion in value and create 230 million jobs by 2030. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s proactive stance through the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Strategy (NIES), which she said aims to “attract innovation, empower creators and retain value.”

“Through regional cooperation with ARIPO, we must harmonize IP laws, protect our innovations and ensure African creators are rewarded—not just with applause, but with income,” she stressed.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Alpha Ibrahim Sesay, reinforced the view that IP is now a key driver of trade, economic growth and cultural identity. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to developing inclusive IP policies and infrastructure that support small businesses, women and young people, while promoting IP awareness throughout the education system.

The conference concluded with renewed commitments by ARIPO Member States to foster a more resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven IP landscape in Africa. Through robust leadership, regional cooperation and strategic investment in human capital, the continent aims to position itself as a hub of global creativity and technological advancement. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-holds-high-level-aripo-meeting-to-empower-next-generation-of-african-innovators/