The Development of Intellectual Property Policies in Africa - Some Key Considerations and a Research Agenda

Abstract

This paper considers factors that are relevant to recent efforts to formulate Intellectual Property Policies in Africa following the adoption of the Development Agenda by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). It highlights the need to develop policies tailored for each country’s socio-economic status and the need to use evidence to ensure a rigorous policy approach. It also considers how WIPO’s technical assistance may be more effectively used by African states in their policy processes and concludes with a research agenda intended to stimulate critical engagement with these key issues.

Keywords: Africa, Economic development, Intellectual property policy, Evidence, Technical assistance, WIPO, ARIPO