Sierra Leone Champions Grassroots Innovation and Traditional Knowledge at Global IP Summit
Sierra Leone has reiterated its commitment to an inclusive and development focused intellectual property (IP) system during this year’s World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Assemblies in Geneva.
Speaking at the Sixty-Sixth Series of Meetings of WIPO Member States, the country’s Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, aligned Sierra Leone’s position with the African Group, while emphasizing the need for IP systems to serve grassroots innovators, women entrepreneurs, and traditional knowledge holders.
“We align ourselves with the statement delivered by Namibia on behalf of the African Group,” she began, acknowledging the collective stance of the continent. She also congratulated the Chair on his reappointment and praised WIPO Director General Daren Tang for his leadership, particularly in advancing the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Madam Saccoh welcomed WIPO’s major achievements over the past year, particularly the adoption of two treaties: the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, and the Design Law Treaty. She described these as “historic milestones” and confirmed Sierra Leone’s intention to sign and implement both agreements.
“These outcomes, achieved through consensus amidst global challenges, reflect the enduring value of multilateralism,” she stated. “They are vital for safeguarding traditional knowledge, managing biodiversity, and boosting creative industries.”
The Deputy Minister endorsed WIPO’s growing focus on equity and development. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s support for the proposed Development Acceleration Fund, which aims to expand technical assistance for LDCs and smaller economies. In her remarks, she underscored the importance of making IP relevant and accessible to ordinary citizens.
“We commend WIPO’s efforts to connect intellectual property with the real needs of people especially women, small businesses, and local innovators,” she said.
She also welcomed WIPO’s newly introduced Patent and Technology Law Toolkit for LDCs, which helps countries like Sierra Leone adapt IP laws in line with national development priorities.
Madam Saccoh reiterated Sierra Leone’s intention to build an inclusive, locally driven IP system that can support job creation, economic diversification, and entrepreneurship. Special emphasis, she said, is being placed on empowering young people, women, and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
“We view IP not just as a legal tool, but as a practical engine for opportunity and prosperity,” she noted. Sierra Leone, she added, will continue to engage with WIPO’s capacity building programs, particularly those tailored to local industries and indigenous knowledge.
In closing, she reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s full backing of WIPO’s transformation agenda. “We are committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the global IP system delivers real, measurable benefits for all countries and communities,” she concluded.
The 2025 WIPO Assemblies convene representatives from 193 member states to shape the future of global IP governance. This year’s sessions are particularly significant as nations seek to balance innovation, development, and sustainability in the post pandemic era.
Sierra Leone’s strong participation signals a growing national investment in international legal frameworks and a recognition of IP’s role in driving inclusive growth and socio-economic transformation.
