The consultation follows the successful implementation of the National Intellectual Property Policy (2019–2023), which raised awareness of IP as a development tool and encouraged universities and research institutions to establish IP frameworks. Building on this foundation, the new NIPPS 2026–2030 seeks to align Malawi’s IP landscape with the aspirations of Malawi 2063 and the country’s industrialisation agenda. Developed in collaboration with WIPO and led by Dr. Mclean Sibanda’s expert team, the draft policy positions IP as a catalyst for innovation-led growth, industrialisation, technology transfer, and creative enterprise. It focuses on six strategic priority areas:

• Agricultural productivity and commercialisation
• Industrialisation and manufacturing
• IP governance and administration
• IP commercialisation
• Capacity development
• Creative industries and emerging technologies

Key proposals include promoting climate-smart agricultural innovation, supporting local manufacturing and MSMEs, modernising IP administration through digital platforms, strengthening research commercialisation, expanding IP literacy, and addressing emerging digital economy issues such as AI, blockchain, and online piracy. The policy development coincides with reforms such as the CRIPC Act of 2025 and copyright amendments, reinforcing Malawi’s transition toward a knowledge-based economy. By placing IP at the centre of industrialisation, research, and creative industries, NIPPS 2026 aims to unlock opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and sustainable economic growth under Malawi 2063.