Finally, this Leo reaches the 54th country in the A-Z series and finds nothing positive to report on. Last year, he was particularly shocked that the host nation for ARIPO does not have a website of its own. One could be forgiven to be curious as to whether Zimbabwe feels that ARIPO's own website already covers it. (It may well be, says Afro Leo).
Not to worry; at least this Leo is glad that, earlier this year, ARIPO did something about its website which meant that its users (and other interested parties) can access certain key information as well as keep up-to-date with the organisation. In this day and age, a website (especially for a public sector organisation), more often than not, resonates transparency and confidence in the minds of the public.
Indeed, internet access is still a struggle in most countries across Africa and it is the role of government to tackle this together with the private sector. However, government departments across Africa should endeavour to embrace ICT, as far as practicable, considering that it is gradually contributing to the continent's success stories.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------Why IPRs should be taking seriously in Zimbabwe, see here
African success stories according to the World Bank, see here
WIPO plans to open 2 new offices on the continent, see here
