NUL Innovation Hub bolsters patent power for local innovators
MOSA MAOENG
MASERU – The National University of Lesotho (NUL) Innovation Hub is now better equipped to help local innovators secure patents after specialized training in drafting and prosecution, advancing the country’s strategy to leverage Intellectual Property (IP) for economic development.
The Innovation Hub has enhanced its capacity to guide local innovators through patent processes following expert training, which directly empowers entrepreneurs and positions IP as a strategic engine for Lesotho’s growth.
Part-time Lecturer teaching Business Plan Development at IEMS, Lira Teboho Victor Khalala, representing the NUL Innovation Hub, successfully completed an intensive five-day seminar organised by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO) in partnership with the European Patents Office and AfriIPI in Banjul, the Gambia, from June 2 to 6.
This achievement was made possible through the strategic support of the government, particularly the Ministry of Law and Justice, which facilitated this prestigious opportunity.
The selection process was highly competitive and performance-based, requiring candidates to successfully complete six rigorous modules before final delegation selection.
Lesotho’s representation at this elite training demonstrates the country’s unwavering commitment to building world-class intellectual property capacity.
In an interview with Public Eye, Khalala said: “I am deeply grateful to the Government of Lesotho, and particularly the Ministry of Law and Justice, for recognising the importance of IP capacity building and providing this exceptional opportunity.”
He said the difficult selection process, which required mastering six comprehensive modules before final delegation selection, ensured that only the most qualified candidates represented their countries. He said being selected to represent Lesotho at this elite training is both an honour and a responsibility.
The comprehensive training has equipped Khalala with advanced knowledge and practical tools necessary to guide local innovators in protecting their IP and transforming creative ideas into viable commercial enterprises.
He explained that they can now provide comprehensive support to help Basotho inventors navigate the complex world of patents and intellectual property rights.
He emphasised the critical need for continued investment in innovation infrastructure, stating that “this training is just the beginning. We need sustained commitment to building our innovation ecosystem, from policy frameworks to funding mechanisms that support IP-protected ventures.”
Khalala added that the training encompassed advanced techniques in patent application drafting, prosecution strategies, and regional IP frameworks under ARIPO protocols. He said this specialised knowledge directly addresses a critical gap in Lesotho’s innovation ecosystem, where many promising inventions and business ideas have previously lacked adequate IP protection, limiting their commercial potential.
Lesotho’s strategic position within ARIPO member states presents unique opportunities for regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. The training has created valuable networks with IP professionals across Africa, potentially leading to cross-border innovation partnerships and collaborative research initiatives.
The ARIPO Patent Drafting and Prosecution Seminar brought together intellectual property professionals from across Africa and Europe to share best practices and enhance regional IP capacity.
The comprehensive training covered practical aspects of patent application preparation, examination procedures, and prosecution strategies within the European Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) and ARIPO frameworks, providing participants with internationally recognised expertise.
Khalala noted that with this enhanced capability, the NUL Innovation Hub is strategically positioned to serve as a catalyst for Lesotho’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy. He said the integration of IP expertise into entrepreneurship education and start-up support services represents a significant milestone in the country’s innovation journey.
The initiative establishes a foundation for sustained economic growth through innovation, positioning Lesotho as a forward-thinking nation that recognises the critical importance of IP in the modern global economy.
“As the country continues to build its innovation ecosystem, this investment in human capital and institutional capacity will yield dividends for generations of Basotho innovators and entrepreneurs,” he concluded.
From June 11 to 12 the Office of the Registrar General in collaboration with the Ministry of Law hosted a National workshop on Institutional Intellectual Property Policy Development for universities and Research and Development Institution.
This is where the Registrar General, ‘Mamoretlo Mohapi, noted that robust IP policies are essential for universities and research institutions because they, clarify ownership of research output, prevent disputes between institutions and researchers, promote commercialisation by streamlining patenting and licensing of inventions and innovations, align with national goals to ensure that academia contributes directly to industrialisation and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets.
She said Lesotho’s academic and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVETs) institutions are the pillars of the IP ecosystem and birthplaces of innovation. She said universities and research institutions generate patentable technologies in critical sectors like health care and renewable energy. She mentioned that TVETs bridge traditional knowledge with modern IP through practical skills development.
Mohapi said: “Linkages between academia and industry must be strengthened, to ensure that research addresses real life challenges like food security and climate change.
I urge all participants to engage actively in the discussions build networks that outlast and champion IP commercialization within their institutions, to drive national progress.”
She said it is important to remember that IP is not just about protection, it is about transforming ideas into tangible benefits for Lesotho and all Basotho. She said IP drives innovation by protecting inventions and creative works, incentivizing researchers and entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, Mohapi added that IP attracts investment through frameworks that safeguard innovations and foster partnerships. She said it creates jobs across tech startups and creative industries, diversifies the economy and enhances global competitiveness.
