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ARTICLE · 15 OCTOBER 2025

Lesotho Deepens IP Reforms With ARIPO, Targets Key Protocol Ratifications

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Lesotho's recent adoption of a National IP Policy (2025) and a Research and Innovation Policy (2021) reflects a broader strategy to build a knowledge-based economy and expand global trade, particularly in sectors like textiles, water, and agriculture. Between 2019 and 2023, Lesotho processed over 2,500 trademark applications and 1,300 patent and design filings through ARIPO, signalling growing international interest in its IP environment.

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Lesotho is accelerating its intellectual property (IP) reforms through a high-level engagement with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).

In September 2025, the country's Minister of Law and Justice led an official delegation to ARIPO's Secretariat in Harare, Zimbabwe, to discuss strengthening Lesotho's legal and institutional IP framework. The visit underscored Lesotho's commitment to ratifying three major ARIPO protocols: the Swakopmund Protocol (for the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions), the Arusha Protocol (to incentivize the development of new plant varieties), and the Kampala Protocol (to enhance copyright protection and registration).

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