Only 26 of 300 local patent applications come from Zambian innovators —PACRA

He said valuable research in Zambia often ended in journal publications or remained on shelves as unfinished prototypes, underscoring the need to bridge the gap between laboratories and markets.

To address the challenge, Mpalo said PACRA was deepening partnerships with universities and research institutions through agreements aimed at turning research into prototypes, products and businesses.

“The Agency is also helping to establish Technology Transfer Offices and Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) to provide innovators with expert intellectual property help on their doorstep,” he said.

Mpalo urged institutions to establish clear intellectual property policies, fair rules on ownership and benefit-sharing, and equip researchers with skills to engage industry and investors. He also called on industry to communicate market needs to academia.

He said Zambian innovations could reach global markets through the World Intellectual Property Organization’s international protection systems, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty for patents, the Madrid System for trademarks and the Hague System for industrial designs.

“As Artificial Intelligence changes how knowledge was created, Zambia cannot be content to consume technologies built elsewhere but must develop, own and commercialise its own technologies,” Mpalo said.

Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Mikami Akiteru, said universities and research institutions across Africa had generated an increasing number of valuable research results and technologies with potential to address societal challenges and support industrial development.

“However, excellent research outcomes alone are not enough. It is equally important to translate those outcomes into practical applications and ensure that their value benefits society,” Akiteru said.

He said protecting research outcomes and using them through technology transfer and licensing could help universities and research institutions promote innovation and strengthen collaboration with industry.

Akiteru added that benefits generated from such activities could be reinvested in research and development, creating a cycle of innovation.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya said an effective intellectual property system could help Zambian innovators and businesses turn knowledge, creativity and research into protected assets, competitive products and sustainable sources of income.

“Among the measures being pursued is the continued strengthening of the legal and institutional framework for intellectual property administration through the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA),” she said.

Bwalya said the government was also promoting awareness of intellectual property among innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and the general public.

She said these efforts should be supported by accessible, efficient and transparent services, as well as practical guidance to help enterprises, including micro, small and medium-sized businesses, identify, protect and use their intellectual assets.

The government also supports research, technology development, entrepreneurship and value addition, she said.

“Through partnerships with universities, research institutions, the private sector and cooperating partners, we must strengthen the link between research outcomes and commercial application,” Bwalya said.

She added that research should not end with a publication or prototype where there was potential to develop a product, process or service that meets market needs, saying intellectual property management, technology transfer arrangements and industry collaboration could help bridge the gap.

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