Daren Tang on LinkedIn: #wipo #intellectualproperty #thegambia

In my final post of 2024, I’d like to introduce two remarkable individuals I met recently: David Jeng and Rita Aku-Shika Diabah.

David, from The Gambia, is a force of nature. With boundless energy and optimism, he proudly calls himself an ‘IP evangelist’. The youngest person to be on the board of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, David first encountered IP in 2018 at a WIPO conference – an experience he describes as eye-opening. As an entrepreneur, he quickly saw the strategic link between IP, business growth and supporting African innovation.

Soon he had enrolled in the joint master’s program we offer with ARIPO at Africa University, launching two businesses: a fintech company and an IP management consultancy after graduation.

The latter, Bliss Executives, reflects a common trait among WIPO alumni – a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise. David has helped fellow entrepreneurs register over 50 IP rights, partnering with WIPO on projects like our IP Agribusiness Program for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa.

Backed by Japan’s Funds-In-Trust, this initiative supported over 100 women with coaching and training on how to use IP to grow and scale. David acted as mentor to several entrepreneurs, including Rita Aku-Shika Diabah, founder of Yesli ICE, a Ghanaian brand specializing in low- and zero-sugar ice creams and yoghurt.

When starting out, Rita was skeptical about IP finding it theoretical and abstract. “How could a trademark add more value than materials and machines?” she wondered. But her view changed as she encountered WIPO and gained new knowledge and skills.

Rita – now a proud trademark owner – worked with David to refine her business strategy, taking a fresh look at everything from production to packaging. Through the WIPO program, she also connected with suppliers in Zanzibar and new outlets in Botswana and Zimbabwe, growing her business.

David and Rita happen to come from Africa, but their story of young entrepreneurs with energy and ideas who need help to scale their business is universal.

This is why even in a historic year where we celebrate 2 new multilateral IP treaties, we also need to keep at our work in building innovation and creative ecosystems not just at the national, strategic levels, but at the same time go to the ground by providing skills through the WIPO Academy, build more Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs) – and help them go up the value ladder to become Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), provide toolkits, studies and research papers, and work with partners and Member States on meaningful projects that target specific beneficiaries to use IP in an impactful and tangible manner.

Thanks again to David and Rita for being such an inspiration, and on this note, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, a restful holiday season and the very best for 2025!

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