Africa's Tech Independence Tied to Innovation and IPR

Dr. Obiageli Edith Amadiobi, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), emphasized that Africa's pursuit of technological independence requires a deliberate focus on innovation, intellectual property protection, and technology domestication. She made these remarks during the annual commemoration of the African Day for Technology and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) on September 13, which was established following a resolution by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in July 1999.

Amadiobi noted that this initiative aims to awaken the creative potential of African researchers and innovators, thereby accelerating technological development on the continent. The Federal Government has mandated NOTAP to commemorate this day, which includes exhibitions of scientific innovations by schools and inventor associations in Nigeria.

Amadiobi reiterated the importance of placing science, technology, and innovation at the core of Africa's development agenda, particularly in the context of the 21st-century economy driven by knowledge.