THE SWAKOPMUND PROTOCOL

The SWAKOPMUND protocol on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore was adopted at the Diplomatic Conference held in Swakopmund, Namibia on 9th August 2010 where as member states of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) were urged to urgently take steps to ratify and accede the protocol in view of the economic benefit for Africa. 

The sixth country (Republic of Zimbabwe) on 11th February 2015 after Botswana, Gambia, Namibia, Rwanda, and Malawi as required ratified the said protocol as a result, the protocol will come in to force on 11th May 2015.

By ratifying/acceding and domesticating the protocol, it will amoung others enable countries to have databases of Traditional Knowledge and Expressions of Folklore, ease of access of international databases of works and it will enable the knowledge holders and the community to have a benefit sharing process, enjoy the trans border use of their works and enjoy other dispute resolutions at the Africa Regional Intellectual Property (ARIPO).

I urge countries to ratify and domesticate the protocol for our knowledge holders, community and countries benefit.

Studies on How Copyright Based Industries Contribute to the National Economy

Studies shows that Copyright Based Industries Contribute to the National's Economy. Among the already done studies in Africa that is the studies done in Tanzania, Malawi, Kenya and South Africa and the Analysis done by WIPO will make you realise how countries can do better by giving enough attention to copyright. Let us value copyright for the benefit of our countries and future generations. Please visit the resources section for Studies for reference and more details