A distinguished delegation of Malawian officials paid a working visit to the headquarters of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in Harare, Zimbabwe on 15 April 2025. The visit marked an important step in Malawi’s engagement with the region’s leading intellectual property body, and underscored the country’s commitment to strengthening IP rights protection.
About ARIPO
ARIPO is an intergovernmental organisation that provides a common framework for the protection of intellectual property rights across its member states in Africa. Malawi is one of ARIPO’s member countries. The organisation administers patent, trademark, and copyright-related instruments on behalf of member states, providing a cost-effective route for rights holders seeking regional IP protection.
COSOMA’s Role in the Regional Framework
COSOMA maintains an active relationship with ARIPO as part of Malawi’s broader intellectual property governance structure. COSOMA’s work as a Collective Management Organisation is aligned with ARIPO’s regional framework, which promotes harmonised approaches to copyright administration, licensing, and royalty collection across Africa.
The Harare visit is part of ongoing efforts by Malawi to deepen regional cooperation on IP matters, particularly as the country navigates the transition to a new domestic IP governance framework following the passage of the Copyright (Amendment) Bill and the CRIPC Bill in April 2025.
For more information on Malawi’s participation in regional and international IP frameworks, visit cosoma.mw.
