As the Covid-19 virus continues to spread globally, immediate actions to fight the pandemic is a major priority for all governments. In this time of crisis, emergency responses are required. A coordinated national effort is essential to ensure access to affordable, safe and effective treatments, diagnostics and vaccines that are developed, as well as access to medical supplies and devices. Some of the measures introduced by the Government of Zimbabwe include the setting up of a Ministerial task force in which the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education is a member. As the Ministry responsible for Universities and tertiary institutions, a coordinated approach for all Universities and tertiary institutions through the IP hubs is required to research and develop technologies to contribute to the fight against the pandemic. There is a broad range of Intellectual property rights at play in the fight against Covid-19. These include patent rights, trade secrets, copyright, software rights and traditional knowledge systems. These Intellectual Property rights are the drivers of innovation which result in the development of vaccines, devices, medical supplies and products. However important to note is that these IP rights are private rights which may result in industry players seeking to monopolise availability of these products to maximize profit. The rate of the spreading of the coronavirus infection is so threatening that legal measures must be put in place to enable the country to mobilise existing supplies for vaccines, medical devices so that we do not experience shortages. Government should act swiftly to put in place legislation and plans to ensure that patents and trade measures do not become barriers for access to treatments, diagnostics, medicines, medical supplies and devices needed. The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary education should coordinate all University IP Hubs and ensure private industry and University collaborations in the University IP hubs to enable research and development on Covid-19 to enable developments of products, devices or medical supplies to fight the pandemic. While efforts are being made local solutions remain pivotal in ensuring we develop efficient and effective mechanisms to fight the pandemic. ARIPO updates on operations and filings With COVID-19 active in AFRICA, several Intellectual Property have announced guidelines on the current status of proceedings and deadlines. In view of the Pandemic of COVID-19, the Government Zimbabwe announced a national lockdown for 21 days effective on 30 March 2020. The Director General of ARIPO has advised that the Headquarters’ of ARIPO situate in Harare Zimbabwe shall be closed to the public for 21 days starting from 30 March 2020 BUT the Office remains operational with its staff working from home. The users have been encouraged to use the Office’s 24-hour online services to file applications and make online payments.