Hillary Clinton says: “”Intellectual property enforcement is protection that give international firms confidence in the market, and also helps local African producers build their brands….
The US government is actively supporting initiatives like the African IP Trust as it works with the NGO, Light Years IP which helps African farmers and businesses bring their goods to market as unique brands so they acquire better prices to increase their income. This program has already helped double incomes for rural coffee growers in Ethiopia.” Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State AGOA Forum On U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation
“This Shea butter is the best moisturizer I have ever used. It is pure and the Vitamins A and D soothe my dry skin like more expensive moisturizers do not. Where can I get more?” Betty Gentner, Grasonville, Maryland, USA (Age 95)
“Africa is a rich continent and is by no means poor. But it has not been able to capture its wealth and get an equitable share of its products. This project is trying to do just that, with the establishment of the Trust. Africa is taking charge of its destiny with IP Value Capture. It is a venture about empowerment in the marketplace, where producers seek their ideas and labour to be sufficiently rewarded to enable them to lift themselves out of material poverty.” Lord Paul Boateng
“In Africa, we have been ‘smearing’ it on our babies from when they are born. It protects. It helps them to sleep. I have gathered nuts with my mum, since I was a little girl and now, I use this shea on my grandchildren.” Leonora Akello, Shea collector and leader of WONS, Uganda.
“We need to impart the background/context and knowledge to help people understand that what they do naturally is of value. It is to convince them that what is valuable to the tribe and country is also of value to the world. We are here today to collectively share our ideas of how to educate, influence and cajole peoples to understand the value of their products to the rest of the world and act on that so that they get fair share of their portion to change their fortune.” Former Congresswoman Diane Watson, Los Angeles, USA
“It was very exciting to me to be part of that important gathering with a single voice to change the poor and the miserable lives of the majority of African producers and exporters of distinctive products. I was extremely impressed by the fact, that we all were of the firm view that it was simply the issue of justice. African Producers and exporters don’t need charity but fair treatment to improve their earnings; and that should be the responsibility of every player in those transactions. AIPT’s role as an agent of change and driver of the public awareness among other things is quite apparent.”
Mr. Esteriano Mahingila, CEO of Tanzanian Business Registrations and Licensing Agency
July 26, 2012 – African IP Trust Launch, Washington, DC
African IP Trust 