Building Effective Patent Systems to Catalyze Local Innovation in Africa

This policy paper is the second installment by OSAA on intellectual property (IP) rights, titled "The Role of IP Rights in Promoting Africa’s Development." The advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) is widely recognized as a crucial factor in achieving the goals outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. IP rights play a significant role in advancing STI as they influence all stages of scientific, technological, and innovation processes. However, the recognition and utilization of IP rights, particularly patents, are limited across the African continent, reflecting the region's current IP culture.

The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges facing patent systems in Africa, including philosophical, procedural, substantive, and non-legal issues. It also offers concrete policy recommendations for African member states, the private sector, and academics to better leverage patent systems, which hold unique and vital opportunities to promote local innovation in support of advancing STI and sustainable development.

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Experts of the Africa Knowledge Network on Science, Technology and Innovation, including members of the Consultative Platform on Intellectual Property
Pre-recorded conversation with African experts on the ""

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