By: Josephine Sesay

Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its national intellectual property (IP) framework through closer collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This was emphasized during a high-level engagement held on the sidelines of the 66th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States.

Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, led the Sierra Leonean delegation and met with Madam Loretta Asiedu, Director of WIPO’s Division for Africa within the Regional and National Development Sector. The meeting centered on enhancing cooperation through WIPO’s Africa Strategy and exploring expanded technical support to advance Sierra Leone’s IP agenda.

Madam Saccoh used the occasion to introduce the country’s newly appointed Administrator and Registrar-General, Madam Martina Baindu Egbenda. She outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize Sierra Leone’s IP system, highlighting key legal and institutional reforms led by the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Administrator and Registrar-General.

We are committed to operationalizing an effective national IP system, Madam Saccoh stated. This includes updating legislation, building institutional capacity, and promoting widespread awareness across government and society.

She noted that several legislative proposals aimed at strengthening protections for inventors, creators, and innovators are currently before Parliament. She thanked WIPO for its continued partnership and called for increased technical and financial assistance to expand training and awareness programs nationwide.

In her response, Madam Asiedu commended Sierra Leone’s active participation and strategic approach to IP development. She congratulated Madam Saccoh on her leadership and reaffirmed WIPO’s dedication to supporting African Member States in building strong, inclusive IP systems.

“We remain committed to deepening partnerships that support intellectual property growth across Africa,” said Madam Asiedu. “Our assistance includes training, technical expertise, and policy guidance to help countries like Sierra Leone unlock the potential of IP for innovation and economic transformation.”

The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge of cooperation between WIPO and Sierra Leone, aimed at creating a vibrant and inclusive intellectual property ecosystem that supports national development goals.

Deputy Minister Saccoh and Madam Egbenda are currently representing Sierra Leone at the WIPO Assemblies, where global IP strategies, treaties, and programs are under deliberation among Member States.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,21th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)