Mozambique: Government to examine patenting artificial intelligence inventions

This objective is set out in the Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (PEPI) 2026–2035, a document to which Lusa gained access on Wednesday, 22 July, approved by Cabinet Resolution No. 53/2026 of 30 June, succeeding the Intellectual Property Strategy 2008–2018 and introducing, for the first time, a national policy dedicated to the sector. The strategy also provides for “developing mechanisms to adapt the legal framework for IP to the challenges posed by the digital environment and artificial intelligence” and calls for “a study on the impact of the digital environment and the use of AI on the legal framework for IP”.

According to the document, this study should focus on “possible forms of protection for inventions related” to AI, “the patentability of AI inventions” and “the level of inventive step and disclosure required”, so that «the measures deemed appropriate to address the challenges posed” by the new technology can subsequently be adopted. The document also sets out the need to “review the legal framework and incorporate the necessary measures to enable better protection and economic exploitation of intellectual works in the digital environment”, as the use of digital content and services is growing. The component dedicated to modernising the legal and institutional framework accounts for the largest financial share of the strategy, with a planned investment of 719.6 million meticais (€10.1 million), of which 632 million meticais (€8.9 million) is earmarked for consolidating and improving the institutional framework for intellectual property.

At the institutional level, the strategy provides for the establishment of the National Intellectual Property Commission «to define and harmonise legislation and policies on IP» and «to create mechanisms for coordination and to strengthen the coordination of all sectoral and multi-sectoral institutions for the harmonious development of the IP system in Mozambique». Implementation of the PEPI will be coordinated by the National Intellectual Property Committee, chaired by the prime minister and comprising the ministers responsible for the Economy, Education and Culture, Science and Technology, Health, and Agriculture. In the area of rights protection, the document sets out the following objectives: “to establish coordination mechanisms between the institutions responsible for safeguarding IP rights”, “to develop mechanisms to combat social tolerance of IP rights infringements” and “to develop effective mechanisms to combat IP rights infringements in the digital environment”.

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To this end, the strategy also provides for “conducting awareness-raising campaigns on the harmful effects of counterfeiting and piracy on the national economy, health and safety”, as well as strengthening cooperation between the bodies responsible for enforcing and protecting these rights. The implementation plan will run from 2026 to 2035, with an initial assessment scheduled for 2028, a review in 2030 and a second assessment in 2033.

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