As Women’s Month draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the women whose ideas are solving real problems across the continent. In the field of Intellectual Property, inventions are one of the clearest examples of how innovation can move beyond an idea and become something practical and transformative.

Across Africa, women are developing inventions that respond directly to the needs of their communities. In Zimbabwe, Dr Olivia Mugumbate created a low cost ceramic water filter aimed at improving access to safe drinking water. Her invention has helped provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa. It has contributed to the reduction of waterborne diseases and has improved people’s health and wellbeing.[1]

In Uganda, Rachael Nabunya Kisakye developed the bio-latrine, an environmentally friendly sanitation system linked to a digester that converts human waste into fertilizer and biogas for cooking, heating and lighting. Her invention improves hygiene and community sanitation, while also supporting better waste management and producing useful resources that improve living standards.[2]

In The Gambia, Mariama Sarge invented a multifunctional solar-powered cart for street food and beverage vendors, it is a combination of a fridge, thermal flask, fruit peeler, juice presser, gas cooker and charging system. Her invention is also an important Intellectual Property milestone, having been registered as a utility model and making her the first female inventor to register a utility model in The Gambia.[3]

In Zambia, Retiana Tiyamike Phiri developed the Period Comforter, a therapeutic device aimed at relieving menstrual and related pain. Her invention highlights the importance of innovation in women’s health and shows how Intellectual Property can support solutions in areas that are often overlooked.[4]

There are many more women whose contributions could be highlighted. These few examples serve as a reminder that African innovation is practical, local and closely tied to the realities of everyday life. Their inventions are improving health, sanitation, livelihoods and wellbeing, while also underscoring the importance of recognizing, protecting and supporting innovation through Intellectual Property.

To all the inventive, creative and innovative women in our continent of Africa, we see you, we celebrate you and we are here to provide legal support for all your brilliant works!

Happy Women’s Month.

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[1] https://issuu.com/africanleadershipmagazine/docs/may_2023_edition_-_third_edit_2_/s/24043230

[2] wipo magazine December 2016/No. 5

[3] https://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/stories/mariama-gambia-2024.html

[4] https://www.wipo.int/en/web/wipo-magazine/articles/intellectual-property-hub-zambia-how-it-all-began-56140?utm_source=chatgpt.com