By Hawwa Magaji
A renowned Nigerian law scholar, Professor Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan Ladan, has called on African states to adopt the draft annexes to the AfCFTA protocol on intellectual property rights, unlocking Africa’s potential to tap into the two-trillion-dollar global creative economy. This move, Ladan argued, is critical to making Africa competitive enough to benefit from the global economy.
Speaking at the independent African experts meeting of the task force on harmonizing nine annexes to the protocol, Ladan emphasized that the adoption of the annexes would provide African states with the opportunity to promote and protect trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights in Africa. The meeting, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from March 3-7, 2025, brought together ten experts from South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Kenya, Mauritius, Ghana, and Gabon.
The annexes, which relate to patents, new plant varieties, industrial designs, marks, utility models, copyright, geographical indications, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, and genetic resources in Africa, are critical to promoting innovation and creativity on the continent. By adopting these annexes, African states can create an enabling environment for innovation and creativity to thrive.
According to Ladan, the adoption of the annexes would provide African states with the opportunity to promote and protect trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights in Africa. This, he noted, is essential for boosting intra-African trade and making Africa competitive in the global economy.
The two-trillion-dollar global creative economy presents a significant opportunity for Africa to create jobs and drive economic growth. With the adoption of the annexes, African states can take a critical step towards tapping into this economy and creating 50 million jobs worldwide.
The renowned Law expert emphasized that the adoption of the annexes is critical to achieving this goal. He urged African states to consider the annexes as providing the needed opportunity to promote and protect trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights in Africa.