Spurring innovation in Africa: an interview with the President of Mauritius

In a keynote speech to the African Ministerial Conference 2015: Intellectual Property for an Emerging Africa, which met in Dakar from November 3 to 5, 2015, President Gurib-Fakim said the tools of the IP system should be used to unlock and promote the value of assets that are unique to Africa, such as local medicinal plants and traditional knowledge. Mauritius’s first woman president said, “those nations that go all-in on innovation today will own the global economy tomorrow.”

President Gurib-Fakim shares her vision of an Africa that prioritizes STI.

What was the significance of the African Ministerial Conference 2015?

The African Ministerial Conference 2015 was an excellent platform for African leaders to explore the relevance of IP to an emerging Africa, and to drive home the message that IP matters.

Africa is on the move. It is set to become the second fastest growing market over the next 10 to 12 years, with anticipated annual growth rates of 4.7 percent. Globalization, the integration of global markets and the advent of new technologies, particularly biotechnology and informatics, have brought about fundamental changes in national development strategies and international trade exchanges in Africa. These changes have revolutionized the way we do business, science and research and development.

If we are to maintain this growth momentum, we need to rethink our approach to innovation and take steps to create a supportive policy environment that makes it possible for Africa’s wealth of inventors and creators to add value to their work. This involves promoting effective use of IP across Africa.

What are the main challenges facing African economies in the area of IP?

Africa has an underwhelming record in creating and protecting IP. Global IP statistics paint a rather bleak picture. For example, in 2013 not one African nation appeared among the top 20 countries filing international patent applications using WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty.

Not enough importance has been given to the protecting the ideas and data generated by Africans and African institutions. Protecting these valuable resources is an essential step towards creating wealth and securing opportunities for Africa’s youth. The key question now is how we can best use the IP system to bring about lasting economic, social and cultural benefits for all Africans.

In the global knowledge-based economy, intangible assets are central to any country’s productivity and competitive...