13/03/2026 – Zambia participated in the 52nd session of the World Intellectual Property (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) which took place from 4th to 13th March, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The objective of the Committee is to finalise an agreement on an international legal instrument(s) relating to intellectual property, which will ensure the balanced and effective protection of Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions.
Zambia, through Mr. Benson Mpalo, the Registrar and CEO of PACRA, shared Zambia’s value for its cultural heritage, identifying the gaps in conventional Intellectual Property Systems, to enacting comprehensive sui generis legislation for traditional knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions. He also shared Zambia’s strategic policy directions for the future in order to maximize and retain benefits for indigenous and local communities.
On the sidelines of the IGC, Zambia held a bilateral meeting with WIPOs Division for Africa to discuss various projects being implemented in Zambia. Some of the notable projects include establishing Collective Marks on selected indigenous products such as Honey as well as initiatives on IP for Youth and Teachers which are meant to introduce lessons on intellectual property in the education system.
Issued by:
The Permanent Mission of Zambia in Geneva