Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future: Examining Intellectual Property and Technology Law in Africa

Besides the abundance of natural resources, intellectual property (IP) and technology have played a significant role in Africa’s ongoing economic growth and development. Based on these premises, this book reflects on the utilisation of both technology and intellectual property in Africa.

This book brings together expert contributors to examine how Africa can maximise the opportunities afforded by both technology and intellectual property. Drawing from various aspects of life, the book underscores how Africa has failed to use either technology or intellectual property for its development effectively and proposes some reforms. The book explores the intersection of IP and technology in areas such as cultural heritage, tax, education, and agriculture, among others. While the problem of access and adoption underpins the entire book, each chapter offers a different perspective on tackling this issue.

This book will interest researchers and scholars working in the areas of intellectual property, technology law, and development in Africa, as well as lawmakers, policymakers, state actors, and other stakeholders concerned with the access and adoption of technologies in emerging economies. It was originally published as a special issue of the International Review of Law, Computers & Technology.

Bukola Faturoti teaches at the School of Law, University of Hertfordshire, where he is a member of the Centre for Future Societies Research. His research interests lie in the role of Intellectual Property and technology in society, especially in the Global South.

Subhajit Basu is Professor of Law and Technology at University of Leeds, United Kingdom and is Editor in Chief of International Review of Law, Computers & Technology.