Sand Mba-Kalu, Chair of the 5th Annual Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit (Africa IP Summit) under the theme: Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa to be held November 28-30, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. He…
As the countdown for the 5th All Africa IP Summit continues, the organizers of the premier African IP event, the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC), are collaborating with Africa in Colors, as a local organizing partner for the event. L-R: Mr. Sand Mba-Kalu,…
The Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office is proud to endorse and fully support the 5th All Africa Intellectual Property Summit, scheduled for November 28-30, 2024, in Kigali, Rwanda. The National Coordinator, Nigeria AfCFTA Coordination Office, H.E. Mr Olusegun Awolowo The Nigeria…
Introduction The Creative Economy Outlook 2024, developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), analyzes global trends in the creative economy, providing crucial insights into its economic contributions and international trade patterns. The creative economy, encompassing industries…
Left to Right: Mr. Sand Mba-Kalu, Founder of the International Trade and Research Center and Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the All Africa Intellectual Property (IP) Summit 2024; Dr. Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary of the East African Science and…
The Digital Economy Report 2024 published by the UN Trade and Development(UNCTAD), focuses on the intersection of digitalization and environmental sustainability, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive policies that address the ecological impacts of the digital economy. This summary will…
The Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce, facilitated by Australia, Japan, and Singapore, represents a significant multilateral effort to establish comprehensive rules for global electronic commerce under the World Trade Organization (WTO). This initiative addresses the growing importance of…
Press release by the African Newspage The call for papers is open for the 5th Annual Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit (Africa IP Summit) under the theme: Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, holding November 28-30,…
The 5th Annual Africa Intellectual Property Rights Summit (Africa IP Summit) under the theme: Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa will be held November 28-30, 2024, at the M Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. African…
Introduction and Background This report has been prepared by Prachi Agarwal (Overseas Development Institute), Sand Mba Kalu (Africa International Trade & Commerce Research), and Alberto Lemma (Overseas Development Institute). This report examines the impact of the African Continental Free Trade…
Introduction The World Intangible Investment Highlights report, co-published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Luiss Business School, reveals that intangible investments grew at three times the rate of tangible investments between 2008–2023, proving resilient despite economic…
Introduction The 2024 World Investment Report (WIR) by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) focuses on the critical role of investment facilitation and digital government in fostering a conducive environment for sustainable investment. The report highlights the…
The World Investment Report by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shows a 2% decrease in global foreign direct investment (FDI) to $1.3 trillion in 2023, driven by increasing trade and geopolitical tensions in a slowing global economy. The report suggests…
The Joint Declaration of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit outlines the key objectives and commitments made by the participating nations. The summit, hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol, brought together heads of state and government from 48 African nations, the President…
Introduction This paper was published by the World Bank Group examines the impact of industrial policies on international trade. It highlights the importance of understanding the effects of these policies, particularly in the context of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs). The…
Introduction The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its Annual Report 2023, highlighting the organization’s efforts to promote sustainable strategies for people, planet, and prosperity. The report emphasizes the challenges faced by developing countries in the wake…
Introduction The Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA) for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) aims to promote rapid and inclusive economic development among LLDCs. The VPoA prioritizes several key areas, including regional integration and cooperation, structural economic transformation, and means of implementation.…
The book “Africa’s Trade Facilitation Preparedness & Ethical Property Rights” edited by Gbadebo Odularu, Bamidele Adekunle and Caiphas Chekwoti (eds) explores the policy intricacies and implications of emerging shocks, digitalization, and intellectual property rights in Africa’s trade landscape. The book…
The Global Trade Outlook and Statistics published by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is a critical aspect of the global economy, affecting the flow of goods and services across borders. The highly pro-cyclical nature of merchandise trade, which tends to…
Introduction The UN Trade and Development has recently published the Digital Economy Report 2021, which examines the implications of growing cross-border data flows, especially for developing countries. The report emphasizes the significance of data as a vital strategic asset for…
THE PREDICAMENT OF COMMODITY-DEPENDENT DEVELOPING COUNTRIES Introduction The Commodities and Development Report 2023, published by the UN Trade and Development, sheds light on the challenges faced by commodity-dependent developing countries (CDDCs) and the need for economic diversification amidst global challenges…
The report on Do Rules of Origin Rule Free Trade was published by the National Board of Trade Sweden; it delves into the impact of rules of origin on free trade agreements, focusing on the agreements between the EU and…
The 2025 Edition of the World Economic Situation and Prospects Report, released by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), presents a detailed analysis of the global economic landscape amid ongoing challenges and opportunities. Here are the main highlights: GLOBAL ECONOMIC…
As we approach the end of 2024, the latest report from UNCTAD highlights significant trends shaping global trade, particularly for developing countries in the Global South. This update reveals a complex landscape influenced by economic shifts, geopolitical tensions, and evolving…
The report titled “Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) in the Least Developed Countries” (2024) by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of MHEWS in the world’s least developed…
Malawi has made history by becoming the first nation to ratify the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge (GRATK). Adopted on May 24, 2024, during a diplomatic conference in Geneva, this treaty addresses the critical…
Nigeria has recently made significant strides in intellectual property protection with the successful submission of the approved draft of the Geographical Indications (GI) Bill on November 18, 2024. As reported by Rita Anwiri Chindah, one of the members of the…
The 2024 All Africa IP Summit served as a pivotal gathering for policymakers, industry leaders, legal experts, academics, and innovators to examine the essential role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in promoting economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development across Africa.…
Despite ongoing efforts by African nations to establish robust Intellectual Property (IP) ecosystems, significant challenges hinder socioeconomic development across the continent. Experts agree that the creation, protection, maintenance, commercialization, and enforcement of IP systems are still inadequate, largely due to…