The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is hosting Daren Tang, Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Tang is on a two-day visit to Namibia ending tomorrow and it is in response to an invitation made in Geneva in 2021 by deputy prime minister and minister of international relations and cooperation, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The primary objective of Tang’s visit is to strengthen the collaboration between Namibia and WIPO, with specific focus on intellectual property and its role in propelling economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Tang’s delegation departs on Wednesday, 22 November 2023.
Ainna Kaundu, Executive for Intellectual Property Services at BIPA, highlighted: “Under the theme ‘Unlocking Intellectual Property and Innovation Systems for Economic Transformation and Social Impact,’ the visit aligns seamlessly with Namibia’s strategic direction, concentrating on empowering Namibians within the innovation and creativity ecosystems”.
Tang’s accompanying delegation includes Namibia’s Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation, WIPO Deputy Director General and the WIPO’s Africa Bureau Director.
During the visit, Tang is expected to pay courtesy calls on Vice President Nangolo Mbumba, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and several ministries and top government officials. He is also expected to engage stakeholders in the creative and innovation sectors to gain insight into advancements made in the copyright domain while acknowledging Namibia’s ongoing copyright law reform.
“Intellectual property remains a critical untapped gem in Namibia’s national development agenda; hence, it is imperative for Namibia to harness the potential of intellectual property to emerge as a global player and an economic powerhouse,” Kaundu emphasised.