The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Mr Daren Tang, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting innovation and enterprise development in Uganda, saying intellectual property will be a pillar of the country’s future economic growth.
Mr Tang, who is in Uganda on an official working visit at the invitation of the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, said WIPO is focused on helping African countries harness creativity, technology and IP-driven industries for sustainable development.
“IP is at the heart of what we do, and at the heart of how countries can transform their economies through innovation, creativity and enterprise,” the WIPO chief said during engagements with government officials in Kampala. “Uganda has enormous potential, and WIPO stands ready to deepen our partnership to unlock that potential.”
Hon. Mao welcomed the visit as a milestone in Uganda’s cooperation with WIPO. He noted that stronger IP systems will stimulate investment, protect local innovators, and support industrial growth.
“This visit underscores our commitment to building an economy anchored on innovation and protected by strong intellectual property frameworks,” Mao said. “We look forward to expanding our collaboration with WIPO for the benefit of Ugandan creators and entrepreneurs.”
Officials said the visit will focus on enhancing Uganda’s IP ecosystem, supporting SMEs, strengthening IP education, and exploring opportunities for technology transfer and commercialisation.
Mr Tang’s visit signals growing recognition of IP as a driver of value addition, competitiveness and sustainable development across Africa.
