Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, today welcomed two leading African voices in intellectual property (IP) and branding for a masterclass held in Eswatini.
Dr. Mcleod Sibanda, a well-known IP strategist, scholar, and former leader of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), shared how intellectual property can help drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and national growth. He explained that protecting ideas and creations is key for building stronger businesses and creating value in the economy.
Dr. Thebe Ikalafeng, Africa’s top branding expert and founder of Brand Africa, gave a powerful talk on branding. He encouraged participants to see branding as more than logos or designs. He said branding should show pride, purpose, and identity. Strong branding, he added, is also a tool for global competitiveness.
Both speakers challenged EmaSwati to rethink how they approach their work, to own their craft, and to see the many income opportunities that come from creativity. They highlighted that Eswatini must take charge of producing cultural products such as emahiya, which are often imported from other countries. By making these locally, EmaSwati can keep money in the economy, create jobs, and build industries that reflect their culture.
Minister Khumalo welcomed the challenge and agreed that localization is the way forward. He said government will continue to support initiatives that ensure EmaSwati are part of the solution.
The event left participants inspired to take action. The key message was clear: intellectual property and branding are not just for big companies. They are tools that every entrepreneur, creative, and innovator can use to unlock value and build a better future for Eswatini.
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