By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
The Ivorian Intellectual
Property Office (OIPI) has paid tribute to World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO) Director General Daren Tang during his official visit to
Côte d’Ivoire from June 3 to 5, highlighting his role in transforming the
global intellectual property landscape and promoting innovation-driven economic
development.
Tang, a Singaporean lawyer
and diplomat, has led World Intellectual Property Organization since October
2020. Before assuming the position, he headed Singapore’s Intellectual Property
Office, where he played a key role in repositioning the agency as a catalyst
for innovation and economic growth.
Re-elected in April 2026 for
a second six-year term, Tang has championed a vision that places intellectual
property at the center of economic transformation, job creation, investment
attraction, competitiveness and sustainable development. Under his leadership,
WIPO has intensified efforts to make intellectual property more accessible and
relevant to entrepreneurs, researchers, creators, women, youth and small and
medium-sized enterprises.
OIPI noted that WIPO has
also expanded its focus on emerging technologies, including artificial
intelligence, digital innovation, innovation financing and new approaches to
managing and commercializing intangible assets.
According to the agency,
Tang’s visit reflects the growing importance of intellectual property across
Africa as governments seek to build knowledge-based economies driven by
innovation, creativity and technology. The visit also underscores Côte
d’Ivoire’s efforts to strengthen intellectual property as a strategic tool for
economic and social development.
OIPI described Tang as a
forward-looking leader whose work continues to reinforce the role of ideas,
creativity and innovation as critical resources for building sustainable
prosperity in the modern global economy.
