In today’s read;

1. ARIPO sharpens Africa’s creative rights game
2. ECOWAS rallies for borderless West African travel
3. Angola courts tourists beyond oil

ARIPO Strengthens Creative Rights Governance with Capacity Building and Policy Support

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) is working to improve the protection of creative rights across Africa.

They are achieving this through a two-pronged approach: building capacity and providing policy support to member states.

This means offering training programs to help individuals and institutions understand and utilize intellectual property laws effectively. It also involves advising on policy changes needed to create stronger legal frameworks for protecting creative works.

Ultimately, ARIPO’s goal is to empower African creators, foster growth within the cultural and creative industries, and attract investment that will drive sustainable development across the continent. Their work directly contributes to broader African goals of innovation and celebrating cultural diversity.

ECOWAS Plans to Remove Travel Barriers for Seamless West African Conferences

The Accra Weizo Travel Expo 2025 shone a light on the need for smoother travel within West Africa. Discussions centered on the full implementation of existing ECOWAS protocols to remove barriers.

The main obstacles, it was stressed, aren’t the rules themselves, but rather the inconsistent enforcement by individual member states. A renewed focus on practical strategies to facilitate free movement and trade across the region is crucial for growth.

Experts from across West Africa and beyond participated, emphasizing the potential for increased tourism and economic development through collaboration. They highlighted the need for a people-centered approach, addressing issues such as visa delays, high taxes, infrastructure shortcomings, and expensive flights.

The event culminated in the Balafon Awards, recognizing ECOWAS for its efforts to promote seamless travel and celebrating key players in the region’s tourism sector. This unified push for stronger policy enforcement promises to boost tourism and economic growth across the entire ECOWAS region.

Angola Advances Tourism Growth with Visa Reforms and Scenic Destinations

Angola is actively developing its tourism sector to reduce its reliance on oil. The government is implementing new visa policies to make it easier for international visitors to enter the country. This includes visa-free entry for several countries and a friendlier welcome at Luanda’s international airport.

To enhance the tourist experience, Angola is investing in key locations. The Miradouro da Lua cliffs now offer improved access and amenities. Cabo Ledo is becoming a surf tourism hub, with local instructors providing lessons. Luanda’s yacht club remains a popular attraction, and the city is now a stop on several cruise ship routes. Luxury train journeys are also including Angola as a destination.

Beyond coastal attractions, Angola is focusing on wildlife and eco-tourism. Partnerships with organizations like African Parks are helping to restore wildlife populations in national parks like Iona. The long-term goal is to create safari experiences comparable to those found in Botswana and Namibia. This initiative focuses on the country’s vast natural landscapes, roughly twice the size of France.

Despite challenges like rebuilding infrastructure and navigating economic fluctuations tied to oil prices, Angola is committed to diversifying its economy through tourism. By highlighting its beautiful beaches, unique geological features, and growing wildlife reserves, the country aims to attract a broad range of visitors and establish itself as a major tourism destination in Africa.

That’s it for today, thank you for reading.