The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) has announced the opening of entries for the 2026 edition of its Intellectual Property (IP) Journalists Awards Competition, aimed at recognising and rewarding outstanding journalism that promotes public understanding of intellectual property.

In a letter dated 13 July 2026 and addressed to Sierra Leone’s Administrator and Registrar General, Martina Egbenda, ARIPO invited journalists from print, broadcast, online, and digital media platforms across its Member States to submit published works covering various aspects of intellectual property.

The awards seek to highlight the role of intellectual property in driving innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development across the ARIPO region.

According to ARIPO, the competition has recorded significant growth since its inception and continues to provide a platform for journalists who contribute to raising awareness about intellectual property issues through impactful reporting.

Entries for the 2026 awards must be submitted exclusively through the online portal, which will close on 30 August 2026. Eligible works must have been published between 1 September 2025 and 15 August 2026.

ARIPO has called on relevant stakeholders, including media houses, press associations, journalists, and communication networks, to support the initiative by encouraging participation and submitting strong entries that demonstrate the importance of intellectual property in national and regional development.

The competition guidelines and entry requirements are available through ARIPO’s official website, while journalists seeking further information have been encouraged to contact the organisation’s Head of Communications, Mrs. Susan Mwiti.