808.   The African Group welcomes the LDC proposal contained in document IP/C/W/668, namely the Extension of the Transition Period under TRIPS Article 66.1 for Least Developed Country Members. 809.   The TRIPS waiver as enshrined in Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement was provided in view of the special needs and requirements of LDCs due to their economic, financial and administrative constraints, and their need to create a viable technological base. Undisputedly, to date LDCs are still facing a similar situation, and even worse with the current COVID-19 situation. A majority have been forced to divert most of their financial resources to procure medication and personal protective equipment to treat the COVID-19 pandemic. 810.   Despite the previous extensions, the situation of LDCs has not changed to date because key structural economic challenges remain unaddressed. LDCs still face financial and administrative constraints and do not have a viable technological base; and that remains the legitimate grounds on which they request a further extension of the waiver. The situation in LDCs will only change once they have ably created a viable industrial and technological base as envisioned in Article 66.1 and linked to Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement. 811.   We think it is reasonable to assert that Members have not implemented their obligations under TRIPS Article 66.2, in a manner demonstrable to assist LDCs in creating a solid technological base – a prerequisite criterion for LDCs to implement the TRIPS Agreement. 812.   Certainly, short transitional periods hinder investors from committing to invest in LDCs, and as a result the target is being missed from time to time. It is our view that this time, LDCs should be granted an extension sufficient to address the challenges envisioned in the TRIPS Agreement in collaboration with Members, as stated in TRIPS Article 66.2.