Developing a Roadmap for Commercialisation of Indigenous Knowledge-Based Products in South Africa

At Maravion, we are proud to have played a role in developing practical Guidelines for Researchers on the Commercialisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)-Based Products, a key step toward unlocking South Africa’s unique innovation potential while preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusive development.

South Africa is rich in indigenous knowledge, passed down through generations, offering natural solutions in health, agriculture, nutrition, and cosmetics. The challenge, and opportunity, lies in translating these traditional practices into scientifically validated, market-ready products without compromising their authenticity or ethical integrity.

A Structured Roadmap Rooted in Respect

The roadmap we developed begins with respectful community engagement and the formal documentation of traditional knowledge, ensuring that knowledge holders are recognised as co-developers. At the heart of this process is the early establishment of benefit-sharing frameworks, which ensure equitable participation, protect community rights, and lay the foundation for sustainable innovation.

Strategic R&D and Regulatory Navigation

Researchers are guided to make informed, early decisions about how to classify their product, whether as:

• An African Traditional Medicine (ATM) or herbal medicine

• A complementary health product or dietary supplement

• An agricultural or animal health product

• A cosmetic or novel foodstuff

These classifications come with vastly different regulatory pathways:

Understanding these implications upfront enables innovators to align their development strategies with the relevant regulatory bodies, streamline IP protection, and enhance access to public and private funding.

Building Inclusive and Sustainable Innovation

To translate IKS into long-term economic and social impact, the roadmap recommends:

• Leveraging funding instruments

• Securing IP rights that recognise both the scientist and the traditional knowledge holder

• Partnering with communities, academic institutions, and industry

• Maintaining compliance across all regulatory stages

Through this integrated, ethical approach, South Africa can position itself as a global leader in the development of IKS-derived products that are inclusive, credible, and competitive.

IKS-Based Product development