Management of intellectual property rights in Mainland Tanzania and Rwanda: reflecting on the one-stop centre strategy

Abstract This article investigates how IP rights are managed in mainland Tanzania compared to Rwanda. Its main focus is exploring the significance of the one-stop centre strategy in managing IP. In Rwanda, since the year 2000, the one-stop centre has promoted IP and contributed to the economic growth of the country. On the other hand, in mainland Tanzania, the management of IP is mandated and controlled by various institutions responsible for implementing scattered legislation. Such institutions lack coordination and sufficient fund to manage IP. This situation prevents an effective exploitation of IP in mainland Tanzania. Thus, this article recommends the adoption of a one-stop centre strategy for managing IP in mainland Tanzania, learning from the experience of Rwanda.