The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA) has called for stronger protection of innovations developed within military institutions, saying this will help safeguard inventions and promote technological growth in Tanzania.
The call was made on May 15, 2026, by BRELA Chief Executive Officer Godfrey Nyaisa during discussions with representatives of the Managing Director of Shirika la Mzinga at BRELA offices in Dar es Salaam.
During the meeting, BRELA also handed over the organization’s Best Innovation of the Year 2026 award, which it received during the recent World Intellectual Property Day celebrations.
Nyaisa said many innovations produced within military institutions are highly valuable and unique, making it important for them to be legally protected to prevent copying or unauthorized registration by other individuals.
He warned that failure to register innovations early can lead to loss of ownership rights, noting that some innovators have in the past lost recognition simply because they did not secure legal protection on time.
“In some cases, a team may develop a unique technology, but if it is not registered, another person can copy it and claim ownership,” he said, adding that BRELA has observed cases where innovators lose their rights due to delayed registration.
Nyaisa added that BRELA is ready to provide training and awareness on innovation registration, patent protection, and intellectual property rights to military institutions.
He also encouraged research units within the armed forces to continue developing solutions that address social and national challenges through modern innovation.
He further noted that countries that have advanced technologically have done so by protecting intellectual property rights, saying innovation is a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness.
“Developed countries have progressed because they protect their innovations. For example, China has many protected inventions that contribute to its economic growth and global competitiveness. This is why we continue to emphasize proper registration and protection of all innovations,” he said.
On his part, Captain William Gissila Gurtu, speaking on behalf of the Managing Director of Shirika la Mzinga Brigadier General Seif Athuman Hamis, thanked BRELA for the training and said it had increased awareness on the importance of protecting innovations. He added that cooperation between the two institutions will continue to be strengthened.
Shirika la Mzinga was awarded the Best Innovation of the Year 2026 in recognition of its contribution to research and technological development in the defence sector and wider society.
The award followed its development of a non-lethal device designed to deter elephants from entering human settlements without harming people, wildlife, or the environment.
