AYV News, July 16, 2025
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Justice, Madam Saptieu Elizabeth Saccoh, has engaged the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on strengthening cooperation to advance the country’s national intellectual property (IP) agenda. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 66th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of WIPO Member States at the organisation’s headquarters in Geneva.
Madam Saccoh paid a courtesy call on Madam Loretta Asiedu, Director of WIPO’s Division for Africa, Regional and National Development Sector. The engagement aimed to formally introduce Sierra Leone’s newly appointed Administrator and Registrar-General, Madam Martina Baindu Egbenda, and to discuss ongoing collaboration and areas for deeper technical support under WIPO’s Africa Strategy and Development Agenda.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing its IP system, highlighting major legal and institutional reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Administrator and Registrar-General. She noted that the government is actively harmonising IP-related laws and policies to create a more enabling environment for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
“We are committed to functionalising the national IP system,” Madam Saccoh stated. “This includes modernising legislation, building institutional capacity, and raising awareness across government and society.”
She also informed the WIPO Director about ongoing legislative proposals before Parliament aimed at strengthening legal protections for inventors and creators. The Minister commended WIPO for its continued support and appealed for further technical and financial assistance to expand training and awareness efforts nationwide.
In her remarks, Madam Loretta Asiedu welcomed the Sierra Leone delegation and expressed appreciation for the country’s engagement with WIPO. She congratulated Madam Saccoh on her appointment and pledged to deepen collaboration with Sierra Leone and other African Member States.
“We are committed to strengthening partnerships that promote IP development across Africa,” Madam Asiedu said. “This includes providing training, policy guidance, and technical expertise to Member States like Sierra Leone.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to work closely in building a vibrant IP ecosystem that contributes to economic development and knowledge creation in Sierra Leone.
Madam Saccoh was accompanied by Madam Martina Baindu Egbenda, who now leads the Office of the Administrator and Registrar-General. The two officials are representing Sierra Leone at the ongoing WIPO Assemblies, where IP-related treaties, strategies, and programs for Member States are being discussed.
