Lesotho joined the global community on Tuesday in celebrating World Intellectual Property (IP) Day, a significant event aimed at raising awareness of the importance of intellectual property in fostering creativity and innovation. This year’s celebration, held in Maseru, was marked under the theme “IP and Music: Feel the Beat.”
During the opening remarks, Mr. Kopano Ts’enoli, speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication, Science, Technology, and Innovation, expressed the country’s solidarity with the rest of the world in acknowledging the power of intellectual property. He emphasized how IP systems are designed to protect, reward, and encourage creativity, which is crucial for the growth of various industries, including music.
Mr. Ts’enoli highlighted the deep cultural connection between music and the people of Lesotho, stating that music is an essential reflection of the Basotho identity—expressing who they are, their roots, and their aspirations. He stressed that through the effective use of intellectual property rights, musicians and creators have the opportunity to transform their passion into tangible success.
The event served as a platform to discuss the role of IP in safeguarding the rights of creators and ensuring they are rewarded for their work, especially in the music industry. It also raised awareness about how intellectual property contributes to the broader economy by promoting creativity and supporting cultural industries.
As part of the global celebration, Lesotho’s participation underscores the nation’s commitment to strengthening its IP frameworks and encouraging the creative sector, particularly musicians, to protect their works and benefit from their talents.
