About Us
Introduction
The Africa Intellectual Property Centre (Africa IP Centre) was established on the 7th of December 2019, by the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC), a Public Policy, Research, Analysis, and Engagement Organization (PPRAEO) think tank.
Since the establishment of the Africa IP Centre, the Centre has been advocating for an African IP system that works for Africa and Africans. 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 (IP) dialogues and events to achieve its mission and vision through the All Africa IP Summit.
The All Africa Intellectual Property (IP) Summit has established itself as a key platform for African intellectual property discourse. The 6th Edition of the All Africa IP Summit 2025 will bring together policymakers, legal experts, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, academics, and civil society organizations to address critical questions about Africa’s IP future. The theme, “Building an Inclusive IP Ecosystem for Africa’s Future,” will drive discussions on leveraging IP to foster development, economic growth, regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and global competitiveness.
This edition aims to reimagine IP policies and frameworks to better serve Africa’s diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and developmental context. The subtheme, “What is the IP Ecosystem We Want for Africa?” will encourage forward-thinking stakeholder dialogue to envision IP systems that promote inclusivity, innovation, creativity, increase filling and collective framework that supports economic prosperity, such as the AfCFTA IP Protocol and other regional and intergovernmental IP systems. The Summit will ensure that Africa’s IP strategy supports equitable growth that aligns with the continent’s agenda 2063 aspirations.
Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are essential for ensuring that African innovators and businesses benefit equitably from their creative outputs while fostering intra-Africa collaboration, investment, and competitiveness. The AfCFTA under the African Union Agenda 2063 presents unparalleled opportunities to achieve this aspiration by increasing intra-African trade, innovation, investment, product IP registration, product branding, promotion, protection and enforcement, including agriculture and industrial development. This Summit will explore strategies to build an IP ecosystem that prioritises inclusivity, equity, and relevance for Africa’s future.
A significant addition to this year’s Summit will be the Exhibition Pavilion, and Africa IP market place which will be a vibrant showcase of African creativity, innovation, and industry. The pavilion and marketplace will highlight the intersection of IP, trade, technology, culture, African heritage, systems, creativity and trade.
Context and Rationale
An inclusive IP ecosystem is fundamental for fostering homegrown innovations, protecting traditional knowledge, and ensuring equitable participation in regional and global value chains. It is imperative to rethink Africa’s IP strategy to address systemic barriers, create IP awareness, increase capacity building, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. The Summit will address key questions: How can Africa design an IP system that drives inclusive growth? What roles do governments, private sector actors, and communities play? How can African countries balance multilateral IP commitments with continental, regional, national and local developmental needs?
Mission
To support an appropriate Intellectual Property system in the African context through the stimulation of informed discussion and stakeholders’ engagement
Vision
To facilitate the promotion and utilisation of the Intellectual Property system for the benefit of Africa and Africans
Key Themes & Subtopics
IP for Inclusive Development
The Role of IP in AfCFTA Implementation
Mobilizing public-private partnerships for IP ecosystem development.
Promoting technological innovation and digital creativity.
Mobilizing public-private partnerships for IP ecosystem development.
Harnessing traditional knowledge and cultural expressions for wealth creation.
Policy and Legal Reforms for a Future-Ready IP System
Addressing cross-border challenges in IP promotion, counterfeit, protection, compliance and enforcement.
Africa Partnerships and Investments
Fostering Innovation Through IP
Attracting investment to boost IP across Africa.
Supporting African-led IP innovation.
Summit Highlight
Keynote Addresses: Insights from IP leaders on Africa’s IP future.
Panel Discussions and Roundtables: Interactive sessions offering actionable insights on key themes.
Workshops: Capacity-building sessions for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and IP practitioners.
Networking Opportunities: Platforms to foster partnerships across industries and regions.
Showcase of African Innovation: Dedicated space highlighting African creativity, technology, and cultural heritage.
Paper presentations: The selected papers will be presented among stakeholders.
Exhibition & IP Marketplace
The Exhibition Pavilion and IP marketplace will showcase innovations, traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and industry advancements, reflecting the transformative power of intellectual property in Africa.
Connecting innovators, creatives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and the public creates opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
