GENEVA: TANZANIA has called on the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) to establish an inclusive global intellectual property (IP) system that enables developing countries to benefit from advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
Presenting Tanzania's statement at the 68th WIPO General Assembly in Geneva, Deputy Permanent Representative of Tanzania to the United Nations, Ambassador Hoyce Temu, said intellectual property remains a strategic tool for promoting innovation, industrial growth and sustainable socio-economic development.
Ambassador Temu, who delivered the statement on behalf of Ambassador Possi, said Tanzania recognises IP as a key driver in building a knowledge-based economy, while viewing AI as an opportunity to accelerate innovation and economic transformation.
"Tanzania believes that inclusive intellectual property systems, capacity building and technology transfer are essential to enable developing countries to fully benefit from artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies," he said.
The call comes as countries continue discussions on how global IP frameworks can adapt to the rapid growth of AI technologies. Developing nations have increasingly advocated for stronger international cooperation in technology transfer and knowledge sharing to bridge the digital divide.
Ambassador Temu said Tanzania is strengthening its IP ecosystem through legal reforms, improved service delivery, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, institutional capacity building and increased public awareness on intellectual property rights.
He commended WIPO for its continued support to Tanzania through technical assistance and capacity-building programmes, including intellectual property management clinics for small and medium enterprises and start-ups, technology transfer initiatives involving universities and research institutions, patent examination training and digital IP management systems.
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"Tanzania remains committed to strengthening its intellectual property system so that it contributes more effectively to innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, job creation and sustainable economic growth," she said.
He added that Tanzania will continue working with WIPO and other member states to promote an inclusive, equitable and future-ready intellectual property framework capable of responding to the needs of current and emerging technologies.