Brela launches strategy to boost innovation and registration awareness from primary school level

Dar es Salaam. The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (Brela) has introduced a new strategy aimed at fostering innovation and registration awareness starting from primary schools.

This initiative is designed to instill an understanding of these concepts in students from an early age.

Brela's CEO, Mr Godfrey Nyaisa, has also called on universities and colleges to enhance their focus beyond teaching innovation.

He emphasized the critical need for educational institutions to stress the importance of registering intellectual property to prevent theft or duplication of ideas.

"We are in an era where innovation is crucial. Universities need to move past the old model of promoting innovation without providing robust support for registration," Mr Nyaisa stated during a meeting with intellectual property stakeholders on international intellectual property laws.

He highlighted that numerous global innovators, including figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, have achieved success partly due to proper registration of their intellectual property.

Mr Nyaisa further elaborated that Brela is committed to educating various groups on protecting their creative works.

The agency's ongoing efforts aim to help local innovators benefit the country by ensuring their creations are legally protected.

He noted the fierce commercial competition both domestically and internationally, particularly in enhancing product quality and presentation.

A significant challenge facing entrepreneurs, Mr. Nyaisa pointed out, is the lack of creativity in product packaging. For example, he observed that many Dar es Salaam entrepreneurs are repurposing water bottles and containers from high-quality sunflower oil and honey, which he believes demonstrates a lack of innovation.

“Our strategy includes continuing to educate entrepreneurs and innovators in Tanzania to ensure their innovations are distinctive and can compete effectively in both local and global markets,” Mr Nyaisa added.

An Intellectual Property Manager at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Perfect Melkiori acknowledged that there remains a challenge with some innovators not recognizing the importance of protecting their creative work.

“Some students showcase their designs publicly before registering them, which can lead to others copying and claiming ownership,” Dr Melkiori noted.

The meeting underscored the importance of registering intellectual property to safeguard innovations and foster a competitive edge in the marketplace.