Preface -- Acknowledgments -- List of boxes -- List of Abbreviations -- Part I. Foundations - 1: General introduction -- 2: The first manifestations of ingenuity of humankind and its protection -- 3: Dynamics of the extension of the western style IP system into the African continent -- Part II. The use of Intellectual Property to Fostering Development in Africa -- 4: The challenges of promoting innovation through technology transfer into Africa -- 5: Maximising the use of the TRIPS Agreement to promote technology transfer and innovation in Africa -- Part III. Levelling the Playing Field to Promote Technology Transfer and Innovation in Africa -- 6: The proposal to establish the agreement on Trade-Related Issues of Technology Transfer and Innovation (TRITTI) -- 7: The role of developing states and IDCs in the quest for technology transfer: Recommendations -- 8: Final conclusions and recommendations -- References -- Index

Technology is key to the development of nations yet is not freely or easily accessible. This book aims to contribute to the debate about empowering Africa to play a more meaningful role in the global innovation system. It emphasizes the important role of technology transfer in assisting Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa to expand their technological capabilities. The book surveys IP and innovation policies in Africa's past and present, providing theoretical, policy, and legal frameworks, as well as specific measures that will help African LDCs. It proposes solutions to overcome challenges currently posed by inefficiencies in the flow of technologies to LDCs and by the fragmentation of the international legal framework that regulates technology transfer. Notably, the book proposes maximal implementation of the TRIPS Agreement provisions related to technology transfer and recommends the adoption of a uniform international legal instrument under the framework of the WTO to be designated as the Agreement on Trade-Related Issues of Technology Transfer and Innovation (TRITTI). The book advocates for proactivity from African LDCs and urges them to cultivate environments that attract and enable technology transfer into their respective states. This will facilitate technological learning, accelerate absorption and adaptation fit to an African context, and will catapult African LDCs down the road of innovation.