By Randal Saye 
Liberia has achieved a major milestone on the continental stage after emerging as the first-place winner of the Regional Intellectual Property (IP) High School Club Competition held on May 29, 2026, at the headquarters of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The victory highlights Liberia’s growing commitment to innovation, education, and youth empowerment, as well as the increasing global competitiveness of its young scholars.
A Proud Moment for Liberia
Representing Liberia was outstanding student Lomenie Kollie of Maretha International Preparatory High School, who previously secured victory at the national level in a competition organized by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office.
Her exceptional performance at the regional level placed Liberia ahead of strong competitors from Ghana, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
This achievement not only celebrates individual excellence but also reinforces Liberia’s position as a rising force in intellectual and academic development across Africa.
A Platform for Innovation and Creativity
The Regional IP School Club Competition brought together some of Africa’s brightest young minds in a dynamic environment designed to promote:
Innovation and creativity
Intellectual property awareness
Entrepreneurship and business thinking
Youth leadership across the continent
Participants showcased their understanding of intellectual property and its importance in shaping modern economies driven by ideas, creativity, and innovation.
Why Intellectual Property Education Matters
Intellectual property (IP) plays a critical role in:
Protecting ideas and inventions
Encouraging creativity and innovation
Supporting business development
Preserving cultural identity
Programs like this competition ensure that young Africans are equipped with the knowledge needed to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Strong International Partnerships
The Intellectual Property School Club Project is led by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization.
The initiative also receives support from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea through the WIPO Korea Funds-in-Trust (FIT Korea).
These partnerships demonstrate the global importance of investing in youth education and innovation systems across Africa.
A Growing Movement in Liberia
The success of Lomenie Kollie reflects the growing impact of the Intellectual Property High School Club Program implemented by the Liberia Intellectual Property Office.
This program is actively:
Introducing IP education in schools
Encouraging student participation in innovation
Building future entrepreneurs and creatorsIt is helping to shape a new generation of Liberians who understand the value of ideas and how to protect them.
National Pride and Future Potential
Liberia’s victory sends a powerful message:
Liberian students can compete — and win — on international platforms when given the right support.
It also underscores the importance of:
MentorshipInstitutional backingAccess to quality education
Official CongratulationsThe Liberia Intellectual Property Office extended heartfelt congratulations to:
Lomenie KollieMaretha International Preparatory High School
Participating schools and coachesPartner institutions
Their collective effort continues to nurture Africa’s next generation of innovators and leaders.
Conclusion: A Win for the Future
This achievement marks another important step in Liberia’s journey toward becoming a knowledge-driven economy powered by creativity, innovation, and youth leadership.
As more young Liberians embrace intellectual property education, the country is positioning itself for a future where ideas are not only created—but protected, valued, and transformed into opportunities.