Building Rwanda’s Knowledge Economy: High-Level Forum on Intellectual Property & Innovation
On 30th October, Certa Foundation was honoured to take part in the High-Level Forum on Intellectual Property and Innovation, and to witness the launch of the WIPO DL101 Customized Course for Rwanda, co-hosted by ILPD and the WIPO Academy.
Abraham Rutunda of Certa Foundation had the privilege of moderating the panel discussion on “Intellectual Property Protection: Law and Policy Innovation and Fair Markets,” which brought together leaders in law, technology, entrepreneurship accelerator, and the creative industries for a dynamic exchange on the future of IP in Rwanda’s innovation ecosystem.
In his keynote address, Hon. Minister of Justice Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja emphasized that strengthening intellectual property is not simply a legal exercise but a national strategy, integral to Rwanda’s ambition of becoming a knowledge-driven and inclusive economy by 2050.
Ms. Altaye Tedla Desta, Director of the WIPO Academy, highlighted Rwanda’s remarkable achievement as the first Sub-Saharan African country to customize a WIPO course and integrate an EdTech learning tool, ensuring every student, the youth, woman entrepreneur, and innovator gains a foundational understanding of IP.
Our panel explored practical pathways to enhance Rwanda’s IP landscape, from improving protection and commercialization for startups and artists to ensuring fair competition and accessibility in a digital and AI-driven economy. Participants emphasized inclusive IP systems that safeguard creativity while driving innovation.
A big thank you to our insightful panelists: Mr. Aimable Kimenyi, Ms. Renita Gatesi, Mr. Arthur Rugango, Mr. Venant Uzayisenga, and Ms. Bwiza Emerance, for a deeply engaging and interactive conversation.
We encourage everyone to register for the free WIPO DL101 course here: https://welc.wipo.int/dl101rw/
Certa Foundation remains committed to supporting Rwanda’s IP and innovation ecosystem, working alongside the Ministry of Justice, ILPD, WIPO Academy, and other partners to ensure that creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs across the country can protect, commercialize, and scale their ideas sustainably.