Malawi’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Charles Mhango, has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to building a modern intellectual property (IP) system during the ongoing 68th series of meetings of the Assemblies of Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
Delivering Malawi’s national statement on July 7, 2026, Mhango aligned with the Africa Group and praised WIPO Director General Daren Tang for his leadership, noting Malawi’s early ratification of the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources Associated with Traditional Knowledge.
He said the move underscored Malawi’s belief that IP is “an important instrument for promoting economic transformation, industrialisation, technological advancement, cultural and sustainable development.”
The Justice Minister highlighted several reforms underway in Malawi, including the establishment of the semi-autonomous Companies, Registrations and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC) earlier this year, which he described as a “major milestone” in strengthening the national IP ecosystem.
He also announced that a new Patents Bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament before the end of 2026, replacing colonial-era legislation.
Reviews of the Trademarks Act and Copyright Act, he said, are also in progress, with technical support from WIPO.
The Minister emphasised that Malawi’s forthcoming IP policy will serve as a roadmap for innovation in pharmaceuticals, green technologies, and renewable energy, aligning with the country’s long-term development blueprint, Malawi 2063.
He thanked WIPO for its technical assistance in shaping the policy and supporting initiatives such as Technology and Innovation Support Centres.
On the sidelines of the Assemblies, Mhango held a bilateral meeting with Uganda’s Minister of Justice at the Uganda Permanent Mission in Geneva.
The two ministers discussed strengthening cooperation on justice and intellectual property matters, underscoring regional collaboration within Africa’s broader development agenda.
Malawi’s delegation pledged active participation in the WIPO deliberations and expressed confidence that the reforms underway will position the country to harness intellectual property as a driver of inclusive growth and transformation.
The Malawi's Justice Minister also met Malawi officials at Geneva Mission on Thursday, including the Deputy Ambassador Pacharo Kayira.
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