MASERU, Lesotho — April 23, 2025 | The Ministry of Communications, through its Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, hosted a national conference on Wednesday to mark World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the crucial role of IP in supporting innovation, the arts, and economic growth.
The event, held in Maseru, focused on raising public awareness around intellectual property rights and encouraging stronger legal frameworks to safeguard the work of creators and innovators—particularly within Lesotho’s growing cultural and creative industries.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary, Mr. Kopano Ts’enoli told participants that intellectual property rights remain essential for artists and musicians to sustain their livelihoods. He said these protections allow creatives to reinvest in their work and contribute to the broader economy.
Mats’osane Molibeli, Director at the Department of Arts and Culture, echoed the need to ensure that creators are fairly treated and that their contributions are respected in both policy and practice.
Representing the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), Ms. Maureen Fondo urged institutions to establish clear IP policies that protect a wide range of creative outputs, from copyrights and patents to industrial designs.
The gathering closed with a shared call for more robust IP systems to power inclusive, sustainable development and ensure that innovation and creativity continue to thrive in Lesotho and across Africa.
