The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Tuesday in Abuja unveiled a mobile app – “AfricDeezayn” – that would enable designers to strengthen the creativity sector in Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the app was launched in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) with support from the Japan Patent Office (JOP).
Dr Anthony Elumelu, the representative of the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, ECOWAS, said that the AfricDeezayn app aims to provide a virtual online platform for designers from Member States to showcase their creativity and talent.
He also noted that the digital tool will enable talented designers of ECOWAS to contribute to their industrial development by stimulating innovation.
“These designs range from graphic design, industrial design, user experience design, user interface design, and service design with the view of attracting consumers and maintaining their trust.
“Designers can choose to protect their creations by obtaining intellectual property rights to prevent unauthorized copying or use.
“We want to call on those in the design community in our Member states to take ownership of this tool and use it as a potential vector for innovation and improved productivity,” Elumelu said.
Also speaking, Mr Marcus Hopperger senior Director Department for trademarks, industrial designs, and Geographical Indications WIPO Geneva stated that the app intends to more effectively address the information needs so that IP rights over designs can be protected.
“Our collective vision two years ago was to create a virtual platform that was of interest and raise awareness about design, designs, and strategic value in any enterprise.
“Today, we jointly deliver a concrete result and the resulting commercial benefits can be enjoyed by designers.
“WIPO is committed to promoting intellectual property as tools for development and growth and AfricDeezayn opens to us the virtual world of communication, helping to reach key stakeholders.
“We hope that as the design communities in West Africa flourish, AfricDeezayn will become the go-to for Creative Learning,” Hopperger said.
In his remarks, Mr Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria on behalf of the Japan Patent Office as a funder of FIT/JIPG, reiterated continued support and collaboration with ECOWAS.
“This innovation platform which is the first of its kind in Africa Connects designers with opportunity, and funding, and helps in fostering cooperation and collaboration.
“We are committed to improving the IT infrastructure globally, including micro support to the design community in the ECOWAS region, and our ongoing cooperation aims to further develop its system to ensure sustainable growth and innovation in the region,” he said.
Mrs Stella Ezenduka, Chief Registrar, representing Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders for their commitment toward the successful development of the app.
She assured the stakeholders that Nigeria would make maximum use of it. (NAN)
