Africa’s creativity is reaching the world. But is the value it generates reaching African creators? This is the fundamental question at the heart of the Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management. As African music, films, literature and cultural expressions gain global audiences, our priority must shift beyond visibility to ownership, effective rights management and fair economic returns. Copyright is not merely a legal instrument. It is essential economic infrastructure for Africa’s creative industries. Stronger collective management organisations, transparent royalty systems, effective licensing and cross-border cooperation are critical to ensuring that creators benefit from their work. Africa has never lacked creativity. Our responsibility is to ensure that creativity generates prosperity for those who create it. #Copyright #CreativeEconomy #ARIPOat50

I had the privilege of delivering opening remarks at this morning’s Symposium on Copyright and Related Rights Management in Kampala, organised by @_ARIPO and @WIPO in collaboration with the Government of Uganda through @URSBHQ. I sincerely thank our Guest of Honour, Hon. Norbert Mao, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Uganda, for his compelling call to look beyond copyright protection and focus on its ultimate purpose: ensuring that African creativity generates economic opportunities and fair returns for creators. I also appreciate the insights of the URSB Board Chairman, Rt. Hon. Ambassador Francis Butagira, and the Acting Registrar General, Mr. Ntale Mustapher, who underscored the importance of effective administration, public awareness and responsible business practices. Africa’s creative industries can drive enterprise growth, generate jobs and strengthen global competitiveness. We must build systems that enable African creators to capture a fair share of the value they generate. #Copyright #CreativeEconomy #ARIPOat50

Fifty years of service should inspire our next chapter: turning innovation into greater economic opportunity. Congratulations to INPI Portugal @INPIPT as it celebrates its 50th anniversary today in Lisbon. I thank President Ana Bandeira for the warm welcome and commitment to strengthening our cooperation. Yesterday, I signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between @_ARIPO and INPI Portugal, building on cooperation established in 2006. As both organisations mark 50 years, this is more than a symbolic milestone; it is an opportunity to strengthen our cooperation and ensure that IP delivers stronger institutions and more competitive enterprises. A key priority for ARIPO is supporting our Portuguese-speaking Member States through capacity-building, knowledge exchange and technical cooperation. Other areas include digitalisation and geographical indications, which offer opportunities to improve IP services and help distinctive local products reach markets and generate greater value. The true measure of our renewed cooperation will be what it enables innovators, businesses and communities to achieve. Photos: Courtesy of ARIPO and INPI Portugal. #ARIPO50 #Innovation #IntellectualProperty