Latest news with #EIPA
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eswatini Targets R30bn investment ahead of AfCFTA
King Mswati commissioned the Government to work towards improving the economy and create jobs. The conference, facilitated by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), seeks to boost both foreign and domestic investment to drive economic growth and development. He made the announcement during a press conference in Pigg's Peak last Friday. ESWATINI is aiming to secure R30 billion in investments at its upcoming Investment Conference, according to Mancoba Khumalo, the country's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade. Khumalo confirmed that Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), would attend the event, while Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini would deliver the keynote address. In an interview with IOL News on Saturday, Sibani Mngomezulu, the chief executive of EIPA, reiterated the R30bn investment target, clarifying that it encompasses Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Investment. 'The R30 billion target includes both FDI and domestic investments, as well as the expansion of existing projects alongside new investments,' Mngomezulu said. In a related development, King Mswati III has directed the government to prioritise economic improvement and job creation under the national development slogan 'Nkwe'. * Zweli Martin Dlamini is the managing editor of Swaziland News, an independent online publication. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Eswatini Targets R30bn investment ahead of AfCFTA
King Mswati commissioned the Government to work towards improving the economy and create jobs. The conference, facilitated by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), seeks to boost both foreign and domestic investment to drive economic growth and development. He made the announcement during a press conference in Pigg's Peak last Friday. ESWATINI is aiming to secure R30 billion in investments at its upcoming Investment Conference, according to Mancoba Khumalo, the country's Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade. Khumalo confirmed that Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), would attend the event, while Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini would deliver the keynote address. In an interview with IOL News on Saturday, Sibani Mngomezulu, the chief executive of EIPA, reiterated the R30bn investment target, clarifying that it encompasses Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Investment. 'The R30 billion target includes both FDI and domestic investments, as well as the expansion of existing projects alongside new investments,' Mngomezulu said. In a related development, King Mswati III has directed the government to prioritise economic improvement and job creation under the national development slogan 'Nkwe'. * Zweli Martin Dlamini is the managing editor of Swaziland News, an independent online publication. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport (MOCS), Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), and MultiChoice Africa signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Combat Piracy and Support Ethiopian Creative Sector
In a move to safeguard Ethiopia's cultural heritage and bolster its creative economy, the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport (MOCS), the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA), and MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. (MAH) ( today announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to collaboratively combat piracy and enhance the protection of intellectual property rights in Ethiopia. The MOCS is dedicated to promoting and preserving Ethiopia's rich cultural wealth, history, language, art, and sports. EIPA, established in 2003, is responsible for administering and implementing state policies on intellectual property to strengthen IP protection in Ethiopia. As Africa's leading entertainment company, MultiChoice Africa has been providing high-quality entertainment to Ethiopian subscribers for nearly three decades, fostering a strong connection with its audience and contributing significantly to the local media landscape. The MoU builds upon previous collaborations under the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) program, MAH's Pan-African initiative to combat piracy. It further solidifies the strategic partnership among the three entities, underscoring their shared commitment to address the escalating threat of piracy, which impacts creators, the economy, and cultural heritage. The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation focusing on: Public Awareness Initiatives: Utilizing various media channels to educate the public about the detrimental effects of piracy and the importance of respecting intellectual property rights. Law Enforcement Collaboration: Sharing information and intelligence to identify and act against individuals and entities involved in piracy activities. Capacity Building: Providing training programs and resources to enhance the capabilities of government agencies, law enforcement bodies, content creators, and educational institutions. Legal Framework Enhancement: Collaborating to strengthen legal provisions and enforcement mechanisms to deter piracy. "Protecting our cultural and creative assets is paramount," stated H.E. Nefisa Almahdi, State Minister of MOCS. "This partnership with EIPA and MultiChoice Africa will enable us to take decisive action against piracy and foster a sustainable environment for our creators, ensuring the preservation and promotion of Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage." "EIPA is committed to safeguarding intellectual property rights and creating a thriving environment for innovation," said H.E. Endalu Mosisa, D/Director General of EIPA. "By joining forces with MOCS and MAH, we are enhancing our capacity to educate the public about the importance of respecting creative works, craft and recommend policies that strengthen IP protection, collaborate in law enforcement efforts, and, thus fulfilling our mandate to support the development of a robust intellectual property framework in Ethiopia." "This MoU is a leap in fostering relations between the three entities. We view Ethiopia as a strategic market for both our commercial growth and key socio-development initiatives," said Dr. Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive: Regulatory&Corporate Affairs of MultiChoice Africa. "With nearly 30 years in Ethiopia, we are proud of our commitment to the creative sector. We have hugely invested in local content, partnered with over 200 local production houses, and empowered young filmmakers through initiatives like the MultiChoice Talent Factory. By partnering with the MOCS and EIPA, we reinforce our commitment to content protection and combating piracy, supporting Ethiopia's vibrant creative industry." The partnership aims to create a sustainable environment that not only protects creative works but also promotes growth, innovation, and foreign investment within Ethiopia's cultural landscape. The MoU will remain in effect for five years, with provisions for amendments and extensions. The MOU signing ceremony, held in Addis Ababa, was attended by invited guests and media. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group. For Press Enquiries: Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport Kumera Negash, Director General Expansion of Arts and Creative Development Mobile: +251 910 10 53 02 Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority Wossen Mulu, CEO, Copyright Directorate Mobile: +251 911 88 38 20 MultiChoice Africa Moipone Tsotetsi, Senior Manager: Corporate Communications Tel: 0112893000 Email: About the Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport (MOCS): The Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Sport is responsible for promoting and preserving Ethiopian culture and creative arts and promoting sports. About the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA): The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority is mandated to protect intellectual property rights within the jurisdiction of Ethiopia. About MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. (MAH): MultiChoice Africa Holdings B.V. is a leading entertainment company in Africa, committed to delivering quality content and protecting intellectual property rights.
Sharjah 24
05-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
UOS, EIPA Sign MoU promoting knowledge, research, and innovation
The agreement seeks to facilitate collaboration in various fields, with a particular focus on holding educational events and conferences to enhance public awareness of intellectual property rights. It also aims to support joint scientific research dedicated to developing intellectual property policies and legislation. Furthermore, both parties will coordinate efforts to offer training programs, workshops, and seminars aimed at honing the skills of national talent and promoting better understanding of global best practices in the field. The MoU also envisions the establishment of a comprehensive educational framework through initiatives that focus on intellectual property protection, and efforts to enhance legal awareness by exchanging periodicals, newsletters, and specialized scientific publications. During his speech, Professor Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy underscored the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that the MoU aligns with the University's vision to advance scientific research and innovation while fostering an educational environment that encourages the talented to protect and commercialize their innovations. He highlighted that the agreement would contribute to the development of programs aimed at protecting the rights of inventors and innovators and strengthening the role of academic institutions in the practice of intellectual property protection. He also noted that the University's mission extends beyond education as it places a strong emphasis on scientific research and boasts specialized research centers that develop innovative solutions across various fields. He expressed his pride in this collaboration, which he believes will lead to further achievements that benefit the local community. In turn, Major General Dr. Abdul Quddous Abdul Razzaq Al Obaidli, Chairman of the EIPA Board of Directors, praised the existing cooperation with the University of Sharjah. He affirmed that the agreement is intended to enhance awareness of intellectual property rights and their vital role in advancing innovation and supporting the national economy. He also stressed the need to develop national legislation to combat intellectual property-related crimes and highlighted the importance of international collaboration and information exchange to address challenges in this field more effectively. Additionally, he noted that EIPA is committed to training specialists in the field of intellectual property protection. Dr. Mohammed Al Hemairy, Head of the Technology Transfer Office at the University, announced that under the terms of this agreement, the University of Sharjah will host the fourth edition of the Arab Intellectual Property Conference in cooperation with EIPA and the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO), an entity affiliated with the League of Arab States. Scheduled for April, the conference will focus on encouraging inventors to transform innovations and inventions they developed at university into viable products and services while ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights.
