By Wezzie Gausi:
Government has launched a national consultation to review the draft Intellectual Property Policy aimed at aligning innovation with the country’s long-term development agenda.
The consultation focuses on refining the draft National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy 2026, which will guide how Malawi protects and commercialises ideas and innovation.
Speaking during a meeting yesterday, Solicitor General Gertrude Hiwa said the review is necessary to ensure the policy responds to changing economic realities and supports national priorities.
“The previous policy completed its cycle in 2023 and it is important that the new framework aligns with Malawi 2063, our long-term development agenda,” Hiwa said.
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She said intellectual property remains central to economic transformation as it enables innovators, entrepreneurs and creators to turn ideas into tangible value.
“A well-functioning intellectual property system supports local creativity, protects traditional knowledge, attracts investment and facilitates technology transfer,” Hiwa said.
Registrar General Chikumbutso Namelo, whose office is the implementing agency, said the consultation is key in shaping a practical and inclusive policy.
“This process is about gathering views from all stakeholders so that we refine the draft policy to respond to the needs of Malawians and support economic growth,” Namelo said.
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He said the Companies Registration and Intellectual Property Centre is leading the process to ensure the country has a modern system that supports innovation and business development.
The consultation has brought together stakeholders from government, academia, the private sector and the creative industry to review findings from a diagnostic report and propose improvements.
The process is being led by government with support from the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
Among key issues under discussion are how to strengthen innovation systems, improve commercialisation of ideas and enhance institutional capacity.
The consultation is expected to inform revisions to the draft policy before it undergoes further validation and eventual adoption as Malawi’s guiding framework on intellectual property.
