establishing an IP resource and information centre was identified as a priority. Technical and financial
assistance will therefore be needed to establish such a resource and information centre at MINICOM. Such a
centre would provide services to both government officials and other stakeholders including researchers.
7. Implementation plan
An implementation framework for this Policy will require the collaboration of a number of stakeholders. Annex
B provides the initial framework with responsibilities and timeframes. Furthermore, the achievement of the IP
Policy objectives will require setting out:
institutional development and policy coordination;
national legislative development and review;
engagement in regional and international IP negotiation processes and organisations;
obtaining needs-based and coordinated technical assistance and capacity building; and
a strategy for impact assessment and policy review.
7.1 Institutional Development and Coordination Framework
The implementation of an IP Policy aimed at supporting companies’ STI and development goals requires a set
of government / public institutions that act in a coordinated and reinforcing manner. A multi-stakeholder
platform for coordination is therefore critical. Rwanda already has all the relevant public and private sector
institutions as well as links to the relevant international organisations. In this context, it is proposed to convert
the previous Steering Committee on IP to the Rwanda Development and Intellectual Property Forum. The
Forum should be co-chaired by MINICOM, MINISPOC and the Rwanda Science and Research Council
(RSRC). Its main mandate would be to coordinate the implementation of this policy, evaluation and review. The
initial members of this Forum could include the institutions listed in Annex A to this Policy.
7.2 National Legislative Implementation and Review
Alongside this Policy is the new IP Law which is aimed at modernising the IP system, improving enforcement
and ensuring that Rwanda complies with its international treaty obligations. To achieve the stated IP Policy
objectives will require the development of the remaining sets of laws such as those related to traditional
knowledge and genetic resources and a strategic approach to the key categories of IP. For purposes of the policy
objectives on IP, the critical IP categories are: utility models, copyright and patents. The rules on unfair
competition are also of particular importance. Flanking policies and legislation will also be required for
implementation of the policy objectives. Key relevant flanking policies and legislation include those related to
investment and government procurement.
7.2.1 Development of a legislative framework for traditional knowledge and genetic resources
In order to meet the aims of policy objective VI a legal regime and institutional framework needs to be
developed for the protection and promotion of traditional knowledge and to address access and benefit-sharing
with respect to genetic resources. The Rwanda IP Law already provides a mandate for the development of a
special law on traditional knowledge and genetic resources. The next step should be the initiation of a national
stakeholder consultation and the development of the law through technical and financial assistance. To ensure
that the resulting legislative and institutional framework is comprehensive and fit for purpose the technical
assistance should be provided by an interdisciplinary team of experts.
7.2.2 Strategy towards the implementation of key categories of IP and on enforcement
(a) Utility models
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