Monrovia, — Liberia is taking another step further toward building a sustainable creative economy as Cultural Ambassador Kekura Malawala Kamara heads a national delegation to the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) symposium in Harare, Zimbabwe.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this paper via WhatsAPP messenger, Amb. Kamara said the delegation arrived safely in South Africa ahead of the planned three-day continental forum, which runs from October 21–23.
He disclosed that the delegation comprises members from the artistic industry inclusive of the Liberia Music Union (LMU), the Liberia Movie Union (LIMU), the Union of Liberian Authors (ULA) and the Photographers Union among others.
“We just arrived this morning in Harare ahead of the forum tomorrow, which runs for the next three days. In the delegation, we have members from the Movie Union, the Musician Union and the Photographers Union,” explained Amb. Kamara.
According to him, the high-profile meeting will gather policymakers, artists, and intellectual property experts to discuss the theme, “Securing Creativity: Evolving Strategies in Copyrights and Related Rights.”
From Cultural Revival to Creative Industry Growth
Amb. Kamara’s mission to Harare is more than diplomatic as he informs this writer that it’s part of Liberia’s emerging effort to transform art and culture into viable engines of economic growth.
He said the delegation is one of the most coordinated national showings at a regional creative industry platform in recent years.
The culture envoy emphasized the growing importance of intellectual property as a national development tool.
“For too long, our creativity has thrived without protection or structure,” he said. “Now we must ensure that our artists are not just recognized but rewarded. Intellectual property is the bridge between culture and commerce.”
ARIPO Symposium: Redefining Creativity in the Digital Era
At the Harare symposium, delegates from across Africa will explore the challenges and opportunities emerging in the digital age—ranging from AI’s impact on creative production to copyright enforcement and digital piracy. The event aims to strengthen cooperation among African nations on copyright law, cultural trade, and innovation-driven growth.
Panel discussions will also focus on how governments can foster collaboration between creative entrepreneurs and the private sector—turning music, film, literature, and visual arts into catalysts for inclusive economic progress.
Liberia’s Creative Renaissance Gains Momentum
Under Kamara’s leadership, Liberia has witnessed a resurgence in cultural initiatives. The revival of the National Cultural Troupe, the promotion of indigenous music and folklore, and ongoing efforts to build a national creative industries framework have reenergized the country’s artistic scene.
The Liberia Music Union recently partnered with private investors and the Liberia Intellectual Property Office (LIPO) to establish a Music Copyright Desk, ensuring artists can earn from their work. Meanwhile, the Liberia Movie Union has launched training and production initiatives focused on storytelling, youth empowerment, and post-war reconciliation—laying the groundwork for a vibrant local film sector.
Securing the Future Through Intellectual Property
The Harare symposium is expected to produce actionable recommendations for ARIPO member states, including Liberia, on integrating digital innovation, enforcing copyright laws, and strengthening education around intellectual property rights.
Amb. Kamara expressed confidence that Liberia’s participation will yield lasting benefits:
“Our songs, our stories, our creativity—these are not just cultural expressions; they are economic assets. Protecting them is protecting Liberia’s future,” he added.
Meanwhile, upon their return to the country, the delegation is expected to present a policy brief to the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT) outlining strategies to align Liberia’s creative sector with regional best practices.
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