ALL Africa
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) Summit

Theme:

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa

Date:

28th -30th
Nov, 2024

Venue:

Kigali, Rwanda

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Introduction

The African Intellectual Property Centre (Africa IP Centre) was established on the 7th of December 2019, by the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC). ITRC is a Public Policy, Research, Analysis, and Engagement Organization (PPRAEO) think tank.

Since the establishment of the Africa IP Centre, the main objective of the Centre has been to support and strengthen the institutional capacity of the IP system in Africa by advocating for African governments to formulate and implement comprehensive IP policies that will ensure IP works for Africans and Africa. The Centre believes that through stakeholders’ collaboration, IP can effectively promote socio-economic development and livelihood in Africa. Over the years, the Africa IP Centre has been hosting Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) dialogues and All Africa IP Conferences, which are end-of-the-year town hall meetings. 

Our Mission

To support an appropriate Intellectual Property system in the African context through the stimulation of informed discussion and stakeholders’ engagement

Our Vision

To facilitate the promotion and utilization of the Intellectual Property System for the benefit of Africa and Africans.

Our Objectives

To raise awareness about the role of intellectual property in fostering innovation and economic development in Africa.

To facilitate discussions on key issues and challenges related to IP creation, protection, enforcement, and commercialization in Africa and SDGs.

To promote collaboration and networking among inventors, creatives, policymakers, industry leaders, intergovernmental agencies, academics, and practitioners in the IP ecosystem with SDGs at the centre.

Highlight emerging trends in Intellectual Property that affect the regime of current laws and treaties across the African continent.

Compare statistics and data on the continent’s position on Intellectual Property and identify key areas for improvement by setting SMART goals.

To identify and facilitate solutions to critical challenges in the channels of translating IPRs to wealth for Africa and Africans.

Pricing

Students

50USD

Regular Rate

200USD

Key benefits of attending

Strategic partnership

 Gain valuable insights from influential industry leaders, providing a unique opportunity to understand current trends, challenges, and successful strategies at a high level.

 Gain a deep understanding of how intellectual property rights are vital tools for accelerating Africa’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn actionable strategies to leverage IP in key areas like education, technology, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. 

Network with diverse and influential IP experts, policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across the continent and beyond. Forge valuable partnerships and collaborations that can drive real change. 

Immerse yourself in interactive certificate workshops and masterclasses led by experienced practitioners. Gain practical skills in IP protection, commercialization, enforcement, and policy development, tailored specifically to the African context.

Explore cutting-edge research and innovative solutions emerging from Africa’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. Discover opportunities to invest in, collaborate with, and learn from African entrepreneurs and creators.

Contribute to shaping policies and strategies that will strengthen Africa’s IP systems, foster innovation, and promote sustainable development. Your voice and insights can make a real difference.

Grasp the intricacies of the AfCFTA IP Protocol and its potential to boost intra-African trade and economic integration.

Learn best practices for safeguarding Africa’s rich cultural heritage and traditional knowledge through geographical indications and other IP tools.

Explore how technology can bridge the education gap in Africa and empower learners to reach their full potential.

Discover innovative African-led initiatives that are promoting sustainability and addressing climate change. Championing Diversity & Inclusion in IP: Advocate for inclusive IP policies that support underrepresented groups and foster a more equitable innovation landscape.

Our Speakers

Dr Sylvance O. Okoth

Confirmed Speaker

Christianah Akinyemi

Confirmed Speaker

Hassan M. Kimela

[LL.B, LL.M-COMMERCIAL LAW]

Confirmed Speaker

Komborerai Allan Manenji

Confirmed Speaker

Panashe Zowa

Confirmed Speaker

Simbarashe Makahamadze

Confirmed Speaker

Travis Lay LL.B

(Hons.) (UWI); LEC (HWLS)

Confirmed Speaker

Are you a Student or a Professional?

Organising Committee

Sand Mba-Kalu

Chairman Conference Organizing Committee

Winner Oluwatomisin Apata

Deputy Chairperson Conference Organizing Committee

Onyemachi Blessing Jennifer

Secretary Conference Organizing Committee

Deborah Erepamo-Olotu

Member Conference Organizing Committee

Faculty Advisory Committee

Dr. Desmond Oriakhogba

Faculty Advisory Council

Dr. Dick Kamugasha

Faculty Advisory Council

Prof. Chidi Oguamanam

Faculty Advisory Council

CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT:

Soulmate Building, plot 188, Durumi, along America International School, Abuja, Nigeria

GET IN TOUCH:

TEL: +234 818 038 1825
EMAIL: africaipsummit@it-rc.org

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These events aim to bring together Africans and friends of Africa to discuss practical ways to improve the IP system in Africa. The conference has attracted over 1000 participants from various countries, including Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, France, United States, Namibia, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, Gambia, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Russia, Tunisia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Togo, Norway, Benin, Lesotho, and many others.

This year’s All Africa Intellectual Property Conference is focusing on intellectual property as Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) accelerator. This underscores the crucial role of IPRs in driving Africa’s sustainable development, making it a topic of significant interest and relevance.

Through engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and interactive workshops, we will delve into a wide range of topics:

  • IPRs as Catalysts for SDG Achievement: Uncover how IPRs can foster innovation and economic growth, directly impacting poverty reduction, health, education, and more.
  • Facilitating intra-Africa trade & the AfCFTA: Examine how IPRs can streamline trade, protect local industries, and maximize the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
  • Public & Private Sector Strategies: Explore collaborative approaches to leverage IP for sustainable development, fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem.
  • Cultural Heritage & Geographical Indications: Discuss the protection of traditional knowledge and unique products, promoting cultural identity and economic empowerment.
  • Technology Transfer & Generational Knowledge: Investigate strategies to ensure that knowledge transfer empowers local communities and drives sustainable progress.
  • Innovation Ecosystems & Legal Frameworks: Analyze the regulatory and policy environment, and identify opportunities to strengthen IPRs protection and enforcement.

Join us for a transformative event that will shape the future of intellectual property in Africa, empowering individuals, communities, and nations to achieve their full potential in the global knowledge economy.

Key Highlights:

  • Keynote speeches by leading IP experts and policymakers.
  • Panel discussions featuring diverse perspectives.
  • Interactive breakout workshops and masterclasses
  • Pitchathon for innovative ideas and projects
  • Networking opportunities with global and continental stakeholders.

 

SUB-THEMES:

  1. Fostering Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through Patent Protection (SDG 9)
  2. How can IP work for Africa? What can we do differently to drive change in Africa?
  3. Protecting geographical indications to enhance the economic viability of traditional products, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage. (SDG 11)
  4. African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement Intellectual Property Protocol- What is in it for African inventors and stakeholders?
  5. Promoting Economic Growth and Decent Work through trademark protection (SDG 8).
  6. Supporting the protection of industrial designs to encourage creativity and innovation (SDG 9).
  7. Advocating for inclusive IP policies that support underrepresented groups, fostering a diverse and equitable innovation ecosystem (SDG 10).
  8. Digital Innovation: Copyright’s Role in Promoting Technological Advancement (SDG 9)
  9. IP as a collateral for innovation development in the African context.
  10. Wealth generation through trade secrets, traditional knowledge, and know-how.
  11. Promoting small businesses in Africa through IPR commercialization.
  12. Tech-Powered Learning: Closing Africa’s Education Gap (SDG 4).
  13. African-led Decarbonization: Promoting & Protecting Homegrown Solutions for Global Decarbonization (SDGs 7, 11 – 15).