As the All Africa IP Summit (AAIPS) continues to gain momentum, we caught up with one of its passionate past attendees to reflect on what makes the Summit a transformative space for African innovation, creativity, and trade. From Kigali’s vibrant atmosphere to deeply moving moments about indigenous knowledge systems, this interview reveals why the Summit is more than just an event—it’s a movement.
We sat down with Angela Basiima Tusiime, an Intellectual Property Attorney in Uganda and past participant and panelist at the All Africa IP Summit 5th Edition. Here is what she has to say about the Summit and why she strongly encourages everyone in the field of IP to attend the AAIPS 6th Edition in Dakar.
Summit Impact & Personal Journey
- Q: How did the Summit change how you see the role of IP in Africa’s development?
A: The Summit really opened my eyes to just how critical IP is in shaping Africa’s development story. I used to see it mostly from a legal or technical angle, but after the Summit, I started seeing it more as a tool for empowerment, innovation, and even identity. It’s about protecting African creativity and making sure our people actually benefit from what they create.
- Q: Can you describe a moment during the Summit when you felt inspired by a particular speaker?
A: There was a speaker who talked about traditional knowledge and indigenous IP, and that moment just clicked for me. I remember sitting there thinking, “This is what we need.” The way she linked heritage with innovation was so powerful and deeply relevant to our context.
- Q: What makes the All Africa IP Summit more than just a conference, and why is it a must-attend event in the African calendar?
A: The All Africa IP Summit is more than just a conference because of the heart behind it. It brings together people who genuinely care about shaping Africa’s future through ideas, policy, and innovation.
There’s an energy in the room that’s hard to describe—people aren’t just attending, they’re engaging, building, and dreaming together.
- Q: Reflecting on your experience, what made the event a ‘game-changing moment’ for you both personally and professionally?
A: Honestly, the ‘aha moment’ for me was realizing that Africa doesn’t need to copy anyone, we already have what it takes. We just need systems and policies that reflect our realities. That personal shift made me more confident in my work and even more passionate about IP in the African context.
Networking
- Q: What was it like being in that space, and how would you describe the energy, ambition, and collaboration among the participants?
A: The energy was contagious. You could feel how hungry people were for change and collaboration. It wasn’t just about showcasing titles or positions; people were genuinely connecting and brainstorming ideas. It felt like a creative and intellectual family gathering.
- Q: How did the Summit create space for meaningful conversations beyond the sessions?
A: Some of the most meaningful conversations I had were actually over lunch or during breaks. One turned into a cross-country IP awareness campaign we’re now exploring. The Summit made space for that kind of organic connection, and that’s rare.
Understanding the The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Framework
- Q: What does ‘Africanisation’ mean to you in the context of IP, and how was that spirit captured during the event?
A: To me, ‘Africanisation’ in IP means reclaiming our voice and shaping frameworks that reflect our diverse cultures, knowledge systems, and priorities.
That spirit came through clearly in the sessions, there was a strong emphasis on not just harmonising laws, but making sure they actually work for African creators and entrepreneurs.
- Q: How did the Summit empower you to leverage IP for economic integration and industrial growth?
A: The Summit definitely gave us the tools and ideas to think bigger. It encouraged us to look at IP beyond borders and see how it can support a single market. I left with a clearer sense of how to align IP with industrial growth and trade across the continent.
City Spotlights: Kigali to Dakar
- Q: What was it like attending the Summit in Kigali, and how did the city enhance the experience?
A: Since I’ve been to Kigali multiple times, attending the Summit there honestly felt like being at home. It’s such a vibrant and welcoming city, clean, safe, and full of warmth. The innovation ecosystem there is alive and growing, and that energy definitely enhanced the whole Summit experience. It’s the kind of place that naturally inspires forward-thinking conversations.
- Q: Why are cities like Kigali and Dakar fitting hosts for such a forward-looking intellectual summit? What can attendees expect from Dakar?
A: Cities like Kigali and Dakar are perfect hosts for a summit like this because they reflect the future we’re trying to build—bold, dynamic, and rooted in African excellence. I think attendees can expect Dakar to bring its own unique vibe, cultural richness, and fresh ideas to the table. It’s more than just a location, it becomes part of the experience.
Final Word
The All Africa IP Summit is not just a place to talk shop. It’s where minds meet, systems shift, and African ideas take center stage. From deeply personal reflections to cross-continental collaborations, it’s clear that this Summit is where Africa’s IP journey moves from policy to power.
