The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Post Correspondent
JAPAN has so far sponsored 241 students to study Masters in Intellectual Property degrees at Africa University since 2008.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Masters Degree Programme in Intellectual Property at Africa University on Monday, Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Yoshi Tendai Hiraishi, said: “We have funded scholarships for about 10 students for this MIP programme every year since 2008. Since its inception, I am pleased to note that 241 students have successfully completed this course and this year’s intake of a further 37 students will greatly add to that number. These graduates are expected to contribute significantly to the development of IP field in their respective countries.
“Apart from Zimbabwe, today, we have students participating from 17 other African countries, signifying the increased awareness of IP field in Africa. We hope to continue providing further support for the development of young IP experts in Africa in the future.”
Ambassador Hiraishi, said it was important to establish strong IP systems as well as develop the necessary human resources for sustainable socio-economic development in Africa.
“In order to support such initiatives, the Government of Japan announced the establishment of the Japan Funds-in-Trust for Africa with the World Intellectual Property Organisation in 2008, which is designed specifically to accelerate human resources development in the field of Intellectual Property.
“The Trust Fund has the following three main aims. First, raising awareness of the importance of IP systems for economic and technological development, secondly, providing assistance in establishing or strengthening IP systems and thirdly, developing human resources to make effective use of IP rights.
“Japan has been implementing and will continue to implement various initiatives to develop IP systems in Africa,” he said.
