Intellectual property and migration : Unpacking Africa’s brain drain saga

Africa is witnessing a mass exodus of its brightest minds, as skilled professionals migrate from the global south to the north, reshaping the continent’s intellectual property (IP) landscape. This phenomenon, brain drain, is a double-edged sword. On one side, it depletes human capital, stifles innovation, and weakens IP law enforcement. On the other, it fuels brain gain—enabling the transfer of knowledge, remittances, return migration, and professional networks that can strengthen the home country’s IP sector. This article examines these dynamics through the lens of brain drain theory, which suggests skilled migration undermines a nation’s capacity for innovation, and endogenous growth theory, which posits that economic growth is driven by internal creativity, innovation, and technological advancements. It explores both the challenges and opportunities posed by brain drain and proposes actionable strategies to mitigate its downsides while capitalizing on its potential benefits for Africa’s IP regime.

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