Over two transformative weeks, from November 25 to December 6, 2024, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) became the epicentre of intellectual property (IP) education and technological empowerment in Africa.
The hybrid format of the programme, combining in-person and virtual participation, ensured that no barriers stood in the way of learning. It was inspiring to see the level of collaboration between MUT, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), and other critical stakeholders like NIPMO, CIPC, and the Japan Patent Office.
As Dr Jetane Charsley, Head of NIPMO, put it:
“We cannot afford to see intellectual property as an abstract concept. For Africa, it must be a strategic tool to foster economic inclusion, drive innovation, and unlock new opportunities for growth.”
Those words resonated deeply with me because they capture the urgency of using IP not just as a technical tool but as a means of rewriting Africa’s economic story.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME MATTERS
Let’s face it: Africa accounts for 17% of the world’s population but contributes less than 1% of global patents. Research and development investment averages just 0.4% of GDP here, far below the global 1.7% average. These statistics highlight the critical need for initiatives like the WIPO-SA Summer School to close the gap.
MUT Deputy Director of Intellectual Property Mandla Victor Hlongwane summed it up perfectly:
“Hosting the WIPO-SA Summer School reflects Mangosuthu University of Technology’s commitment to turning education into action.”
The programme wasn’t just about learning; it was about doing. Participants engaged in case studies, simulation exercises, and group projects on topics like patenting indigenous knowledge and green technologies—areas uniquely relevant to Africa’s innovation challenges.
INSPIRING LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION
The opening ceremony was a highlight, with thought leaders from across sectors sharing their insights. KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi, spoke about innovation’s role in driving provincial growth. WIPO Academy’s Maria-Stella Ntamark called the programme a movement rather than just an event, which truly hit home for me.
Speakers like Adv. Rory Voller from the CIPC and Japan’s representative Sachiyo Yoshino echoed a common theme: collaboration is the key to solving Africa’s IP challenges.
A PLATFORM FOR CHANGE
Beyond its intellectual rigour, the programme tackled real-world issues. For example, Africa loses $2.5 billion annually due to inadequate IP protections. Addressing this, the Summer School equipped participants with tools to strengthen IP frameworks and unlock untapped economic potential.
I was particularly moved by the stories of young professionals who left the programme with not only certificates but also renewed purpose. Their resolve to make meaningful contributions to their communities reminded me of why I chose to write about this event.
As someone who believes in the transformative power of education and innovation, I see initiatives like the WIPO-SA Summer School as beacons of hope. They’re not just shaping individual careers—they’re shaping Africa’s future.
When we think of intellectual property, let’s think of it not as a dry, technical field but as a pathway to growth, sustainability, and inclusion. That’s the vision that MUT, WIPO, and its partners brought to life, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it.
Africa’s innovation future is bright, and it starts with moments like these.