Trade is the lifeblood of the global economy, but the ease or difficulty of moving goods across borders often determines how competitive countries can be. This is where National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) play a crucial role. Established under the…
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) – 32 nations without direct sea access – face steep economic and trade hurdles. With transport costs 1.4 times higher than coastal states, 82% of their exports are unprocessed commodities, and GDP levels average 20% lower.…
Plastics are now a cornerstone of global trade and the economy, yet their environmental costs are staggering. In 2023, global plastics trade exceeded $1.1 trillion (323 million metric tons), with over 78% of production traded internationally. Alarmingly, 75% of all…
Nollywood veteran Mercy Johnson-Okojie has sounded the alarm over what she claims is a copyright violation by Ghanaian broadcaster Blazing TV, which allegedly aired her film “The Firstborn” without consent. Taking to Instagram, the actress expressed disbelief and deep frustration,…
China’s intellectual property environment continues to attract foreign interest, with 94,000 trademark registration applications submitted by non-Chinese entities in the first half of 2025, reflecting a 7.4% year-on-year growth, according to the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). This steady rise…
In a significant step toward advancing innovation and economic collaboration, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in industrial property rights. The agreement was formalized during the 66th General Assembly…
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has officially unveiled its inaugural Case Digest, a landmark publication that consolidates rulings and legal decisions made by URSB Registrars in their quasi-judicial capacities. The Digest is set to become a pivotal resource for…
In a groundbreaking effort to empower the creative sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a revolutionary financing initiative that allows creatives to use their intellectual property (IP) as collateral to secure funding. The announcement was delivered by the…
UNDP Report – July 2025 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face unique structural barriers to growth, from a lack of seaport access to high trade costs, climate vulnerabilities, and limited financing options. Representing 7% of the world’s population but only 1.1%…
The global trading system is weathering a turbulent 2025, with economic resilience tested by policy uncertainty, rising tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and the dominance of Big Tech in digital markets. The latest Global Trade Update (July 2025) by UNCTAD provides a…