Maseru, May 05 — The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), in collaboration with the Government of Lesotho, is set to host a high-level symposium on Plant Variety Protection (PVP), aimed at strengthening agricultural innovation and food security across Africa.
The symposium, to be held under the theme ‘Nurturing Agricultural Innovation: Advancing the Protection of New Plant Varieties for Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture in Africa,’ is expected to bring together policymakers, plant breeders, legal experts, and development partners from across the continent.
In an interview with the Agency, the Registrar General Mrs. ’Mamoretlo Mohapi said that the initiative comes at a critical time when African countries are seeking sustainable solutions to food insecurity and climate-related agricultural challenges.
She explained that Plant Variety Protection plays a pivotal role in encouraging innovation by granting breeders exclusive rights over new plant varieties, thereby motivating investment in research and development.
“Protecting new plant varieties is essential for ensuring that breeders are rewarded for their innovation. This not only stimulates the development of improved crop varieties but also enhances agricultural productivity and resilience,” she said.
Mrs. Mohapi noted that the symposium will also focus on advancing the implementation of the Arusha Protocol for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, a regional framework designed to harmonise plant variety protection laws among ARIPO member states.
She added that discussions will further explore alignment with the UPOV Convention, an international agreement that provides a standardised system for protecting plant breeders’ rights globally.
According to Mrs. Mohapi, Lesotho stands to benefit significantly from adopting robust plant variety protection systems, particularly in boosting local agricultural innovation, improving seed quality, and ensuring farmers have access to high-performing and climate-resilient crops.
“This symposium provides a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building. It will help countries like Lesotho strengthen legal and institutional frameworks that support agricultural transformation,” she said.
She further highlighted that fostering innovation in plant breeding is key to addressing food security challenges, especially in the face of climate change, land degradation, and population growth.
Mrs. Mohapi concluded by reaffirming Lesotho’s commitment to regional cooperation and the advancement of sustainable agriculture through innovation-driven approaches.
The symposium is also expected to encourage collaboration among African countries, promote investment in agricultural research, and support the development of policies that balance breeders’ rights with farmers’ interests.
The event marks another milestone in Africa’s efforts to modernise agricultural systems and ensure long-term food security for its growing population.
ENDS/NT/tl
