04 May 2023

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has welcomed World Intellectual Property Organisation’s  (WIPO) new vision for Intellectual Property (IP) as an engine of growth and development for every country including those with small populations such as  Botswana.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with WIPO director general Mr Daren Tang in Geneva Wednesday, he said the organisation’s intensified outreach to traditionally underrepresented groups in the global IP system such as women, SMMEs and the youth was also a welcome development.

“Botswana is a nation that is rich in human resources especially the vibrant youth, hence Intellectual Property backed innovation and creativity is critically important to the country’s development,” he said.

President Masisi said he and Mr Tang agreed to strengthen the long standing collaboration between Botswana and WIPO and ensure that IP supported the growth of new products and services.

Botswana and WIPO collaborated and crafting the country’s first ever Intellectual Property Policy themed: Harnessing IP for economic transformation” that was launched by President Masisi last November.

The meeting between President Masisi and WIPO chief comes about seven months after the policy’s launch.

The policy’s primary objective  is to leverage Botswana’s IP potential for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development, which will deliver prosperity for every Motswana.

Meanwhile Mr Tang has pledged his organisation’s support for Botswana’s plans to use IP for development.

He disclosed that WIPO was helping Botswana to translate the IP policy into impactful work on the ground.

Through WIPO branding and IP strategy, Kasane-based women weavers were being assisted to launch and market their baskets and to commercialise operations in order to increase revenue for their community, he said.

Mr Tang said WIPO was also supporting a project helping Botswana youth to obtain the IP knowledge and tools needed to bring their ideas to the market.

He cited 32-year-old Kedumetse Lipi’s innovation of a solar-powered backpack, batteries and lamps to enable learners to study at night.

The innovation went a long way in ensuring that no learner was left out and helped to bring light to homesteads without electrical connection, he said.

Mr Tang expressed elation at Botswana’s aspiration of building a knowledge based economy, which he said would serve as a model for other countries.

Trade and industry minister Mr Mmusi Kgafela, who accompanied President Masisi to the meeting, said it covered possible areas of collaboration including how WIPO could help Botswana build a knowledge based economy.

He said the President requested WIPO to avail attachment opportunities for Batswana to learn more about IP,  it’s protection and commercial benefits.

One idea was to consider including IP in the school curriculum, Mr Kgafela said.

The meeting was also attended by foreign affairs and tertiary education ministers Dr Lemogang Kwape and Dr Douglas Letsholathebe respectively as well as Botswana’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva and Switzerland  ambassador, Dr Athaliah Molokomme. Ends