Mauritius and WIPO discuss strengthening intellectual property ecosystem

A working session between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful; Junior Minister Hambyrajen Narsinghen; and the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr Daren Tang, was held, this morning, in Port Louis.

The session, attended by representatives of the International Trade Division and the Industrial Property Office of Mauritius, focused on strengthening the country’s intellectual property (IP) ecosystem, promoting innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), enhancing the capacity of national IP institutions, and supporting businesses, innovators and other stakeholders in leveraging IP to boost competitiveness, innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Mr Tang is undertaking an official visit to Mauritius from 10 to 11 September 2026, at the invitation of the Government of Mauritius. He is accompanied by three WIPO officials. The visit aims to further deepen the longstanding cooperation between Mauritius and WIPO and explore new areas of strategic collaboration.

In his address, Minister Ramful highlighted the issue of parallel imports, as announced in the 2026-2027 Budget, stressing the need for an appropriate legal and regulatory framework, particularly for sensitive products such as medicines. He also underlined the importance of developing a strategy for AI and innovation to ensure that intellectual property is adequately protected and products and ideas are successfully commercialised.

For his part, Mr Tang stressed that IP would become increasingly central to Mauritius’ economy as the country pursues its ambitions in the blue economy, export services and entrepreneurship. He recalled that Mauritius ranks first in Sub-Saharan Africa in WIPO’s Global Innovation Index, and emphasised that the next step was to focus on IP protection and commercialisation.

Mr Tang indicated that WIPO could assist Mauritius in developing and implementing a national IP strategy, with technical advice and support envisaged over a period of six to nine months. He also highlighted the potential of IP to generate employment and attract investment by transforming ideas and innovations into valuable commercial assets.

He further underlined the importance of Geographical Indications (GIs) in protecting products whose quality or reputation is linked to their geographical origin, citing Mauritian rum, sugar and ‘limon Rodrigues’ as examples. WIPO could also assist Mauritius in strengthening GI-related initiatives in Rodrigues, he added.

As regards parallel imports, Mr Tang reassured the Mauritian authorities that WIPO would identify an appropriate expert to provide technical assistance. He also proposed support for the possible establishment of a Technology Transfer Office in Mauritius to facilitate the transfer of scientific research and inventions from academic institutions to the public and commercial marketplace.

Junior Minister Narsinghen highlighted Mauritius’ ambition to reach the level of countries such as Singapore, stressing the importance of commercialising local products and innovations. He sought WIPO’s assistance in strengthening the capacity of the Industrial Property Office, including the recruitment of high-calibre expertise, IP commercialisation, parallel imports, capacity building and the development of GIs for Rodrigues.

Courtesy Call

Prior to the working session, Mr Tang paid a courtesy call on Minister Ramful.

In a statement following the meeting, Minister Ramful said WIPO would assist the Industrial Property Office in upgrading and digitalising its services. He also welcomed WIPO’s continued support in capacity building and technical assistance.

On parallel imports, he stated that WIPO had agreed to provide an expert to assist Mauritius in establishing the necessary framework and implementing the measure, which is expected to enhance competition and contribute to lower prices.

Minister Ramful also highlighted the importance of GIs in increasing the visibility and international recognition of Mauritian products, while noting that the WIPO Director General would provide a policy paper to assist Mauritius in protecting and commercialising products developed by local entrepreneurs.

Mr Tang, for his part, underpinned the need to reposition IP as a horizontal catalyst across the Mauritian economy, particularly as the country develops its capabilities in AI, the blue economy and innovation. He noted that Mauritian creators, inventors, researchers and young people would play an increasingly important role in driving innovation.

On AI, he pointed to both its opportunities and challenges, including its potential to accelerate research and assist creators in developing new products and content. He stressed the importance of establishing appropriate policies to manage the risks associated with AI while enabling entrepreneurs to benefit from the technology.

The WIPO Director General also emphasised the need to better support local innovators, small and medium enterprises, researchers and artists in protecting and commercialising their intellectual property. He noted that Mauritius has strong foundations in IP protection, with the key challenge now being to translate IP into jobs, entrepreneurship and investment.

During his visit, Mr Tang is meeting relevant Ministers and senior Government officials, as well as representatives of the private sector, business community, artists, researchers, academia and other stakeholders in the IP and innovation ecosystem.

WIPO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for promoting the protection and effective use of intellectual property worldwide, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs and copyright. It has been a longstanding partner of Mauritius, providing technical assistance, capacity building and expertise in various areas of IP.

10 September 2026

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Topics: Foreign Affairs