The Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA) is in Otjiwarongo to commemorate Intellectual Property Day and reflect on the work done by innovators and creators around the world.

This year, the day is commemorated under the theme "Focusing on Women, Accelerating IP, Innovation, and Creativity."

"We are focusing on this sector of society because women have been neglected for too long and have not been recognised, but we are focusing on how women can be empowered to innovate and how they can be recognised and given resources to bring solutions to our society. Really, as a national register of IP in the country, BIPA took centre stage, we went around the country, particularly certain sectors and here we are in Otjiwarongo where we share information on IP, particularly focusing on women," said the Senior Intellectual Property Officer at BIPA, Onesmus Joseph.

And as they say, the future of innovation is in the hands of the youth.

Hence the invitation that went out to primary schools to instill creativity and innovation in their learners.

Learners showed their innovative side by showcasing their artworks, while BIPA explained how they can protect their works, understand their intellectual property rights, and how BIPA facilitates the granting of these rights.

50 women entrepreneurs will be trained through a project titled 'Namibian Women Entrepreneurs' in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organisation.

BIPA will also be hosting a gala dinner as the main event on their programme at Crocodile Farm, with more than 100 people expected to attend from across the country.

Enforcement agencies will be trained on protecting intellectual property and restoring rights should anyone infringe upon it.