On March 13, 2026, Equatorial Guinea took a decisive step in its economic transformation. On behalf of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua, Prime Minister, presided over the opening ceremony in Sipopo of the government seminar on integrating intellectual property into national development policies.
The opening ceremony brought together all members of the Equatorial Guinean government, demonstrating the importance attached by the highest state authorities to this strategic issue. Also present were the ambassadors of the OAPI member states accredited to Equatorial Guinea, representatives of various state bodies, and the heads of the OAPI National Liaison Structures.
This exceptional mobilization illustrates a collective awareness: in the 21st century global economy, intellectual property is no longer an option but a strategic necessity for any nation aspiring to prosperity and competitiveness.
The ceremony was marked by a speech from the Director General of OAPI, Mr. Denis L. BOHOUSSOU. In his address, the Director General sought to dispel misconceptions: “Intellectual property is not a distant concept, reserved for large laboratories in developed countries. No. It is a daily reality, an immediate opportunity for every nation, for every citizen in search of prosperity and dignity .
The Director General praised the determination of the Equatorial Guinean Government: “What we see, what we feel in this room, goes far beyond mere curiosity. It is determination. It is the clear will of your Government to establish intellectual property — not as a marginal chapter of economic policy — but as a fundamental and central lever for development .
Mr. BOHOUSSOU concluded his speech with a phrase that resonates as a call to action: "Because intellectual property is not a luxury: it is a right and a necessity for our people to be the actors of their own future .
Professor Anacleto Olo Mibuy, President of the Scientific and Technological Research Council (CICTE) and OAPI Administrator for Equatorial Guinea, then delivered an inaugural lecture on the importance of a national strategy for intellectual property.
His intervention helped to enlighten participants on the multiple dimensions of intellectual property: protection of innovations, enhancement of cultural heritage, job creation, attractiveness of investments and competitive positioning on international markets.
To conclude the protocol phase of the seminar, Prime Minister Manuel Osa Nsue Nsua spoke on behalf of His Excellency Mr. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
In his address, the Head of Government recalled that "intellectual property is a fundamental pillar of sustainable economic and social development ." He stressed that Equatorial Guinea cannot afford to lag behind the global dynamics of innovation and creativity.
The Prime Minister clearly defined the Government's ambition: "To make intellectual property not a simple legal instrument for appropriating creations, but a strategic tool at the service of wealth creation, employment and national development .
This vision is part of the structural transformation strategy of the Equatorial Guinean economy, aimed at reducing dependence on extractive resources and building a more diversified, more innovative and therefore more resilient economy.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo of all participants, thus immortalizing this historic moment for Equatorial Guinea.
The work that continued throughout the day will help define the concrete guidelines for the future national intellectual property policy, a strategic instrument intended to support Equatorial Guinea towards sustainable, inclusive and prosperous development.
