All Africa Intellectual Property Summit

All Africa Intellectual Property Summit: The Ultimate Catch or Just Another Conference?

Africa IP Summit — Wed, 14 May 2025 07:15:52 +0000

The All-Africa Intellectual Property Summit (AAIPS) 6th Edition is happening this year, from 12th to 14th November 2025 in Dakar, Senegal. For those wondering if it is worth attending, the answer is a resounding yes. Founded in 2019 by the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC) — a public policy, research, and engagement think tank — the AAIPS was created to strengthen Africa’s IP ecosystem and address broader socio-economic challenges across the Global South. What started as a small intellectual property town hall meeting in Nigeria has now grown into a pan-African movement, drawing professionals from over 30 countries, united by one goal: to make IP work for Africa, on Africa’s terms.

Some of the participants at the AAIPS 5th Ed. in Kigali, Rwanda pose for a group photo.

The AAIPS is more than a conference. It’s a space for transformation — a space where IP practitioners, policymakers, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, academics, and legal minds gather to reimagine what IP could look like when shaped by African priorities. The energy is in the room: in the roundtable debates, in the policy dialogues, in the keynote addresses by Africa’s top IP minds, and in the research papers that push the envelope of what’s possible. This summit doesn’t just revisit the basics of IP — it digs deeper into how IP intersects with trade, innovation, creativity, policy, and law. Participants explore Africa’s legal and institutional frameworks, challenge outdated colonial IP systems, and brainstorm pathways for building inclusive and future-ready IP regimes that truly reflect the continent’s potential. A central focus of the summit is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — the world’s largest free trade zone. As Africa aims to boost intra-continental trade and innovation, IP systems must be aligned to support that vision. AAIPS offers a key platform for shaping how IP frameworks can drive AfCFTA’s success. So, why should you attend? Here are just a few compelling reasons:

1. Shaping the Future of IP in Africa

For far too long, Africa’s IP landscape has been shaped by external interests. Many of the treaties, laws, and agreements we uphold today weren’t designed with Africa’s needs in mind. Now, more than ever, it’s time for Africans to lead the IP conversation. From Cape Town to Cairo, from Kinshasa to Mogadishu — Africa’s IP systems need urgent reform. And that reform must be collaborative. The AAIPS provides the platform where we can gather as equals, challenge one another, share country-specific experiences, and walk away not just inspired, but equipped to implement change within our nations and regions. A key question from the AAIPS 5th edition was, “How can IP work for Africa, and what can we do differently to drive change?”. The proposed solution- Africanization of the IP system by developing a homegrown African IP framework. The detailed report is available here.

During the round-table breakout sessions at the AAIPS 5th Ed.

1. Driving Homegrown Solutions

Africa is brimming with untapped creativity and innovation potential. While global innovation indices may tell one story, the reality on the ground is different. Our innovators are developing tech, reimagining agriculture, disrupting health care, and pioneering cultural industries — but they lack the protection and policy support to scale. At the 5th Edition in Kigali, platforms like AfricanLaw showcased bold visions for building an effective African IP ecosystem with equipped IP practitioners necessary to support the stakeholders and meet the continent’s IP needs. This year in Dakar, we expect even more exhibitors like startups, tech leaders, IP Offices, and entrepreneurs to showcase how Africa can promote IP while owning and commercializing its creativity and innovation. If you are looking to showcase, connect, collaborate or invest in Africa’s homegrown solutions — this is your chance.

1. Building Strategic Partnerships

Real impact requires cross-border collaboration. With over 50 African nations, multiple regional economic blocs, and two regional IP organizations — ARIPO and OAPI — achieving success requires strong partnerships, coordinated efforts, and a unified strategic approach. AAIPS unites policymakers, legal experts, and innovators to align strategies and forge partnerships across Africa’s diverse IP landscape. Collaboration is not optional — it’s the foundation of a thriving, unified Africa. And with the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights, the time to align our IP strategies continentally is now.

1. Showcasing the African Innovation Potential

The Africa IP Summit is intentionally hosted in cities that reflect the continent’s growing innovation landscape. Each location is chosen not just for logistics, but to highlight real, local stories of innovation, creativity, and impact. Kigali, Rwanda, our 2024 host, was a clear reflection of that vision. With its commitment to digital governance, entrepreneurship, and youth-led innovation, Kigali showed what is possible when bold policies meet practical action. Now, we head to Dakar, Senegal. Known for its rich culture, emerging fintech scene, and dedication to education and the creative economy, Dakar continues the tradition of spotlighting cities that are shaping Africa’s future in real, tangible ways. And here’s something special—participants help choose the next host city. So if you’d like the Summit to come to your city, don’t miss your chance. Register for AAIPS 2025 and cast your vote!

Discover the city of Dakar here 5. Understanding and Influencing the AfCFTA IP Protocol One of the most pressing and timely sub-themes at this year’s summit will be the implementation of the AfCFTA Intellectual Property Protocol. As IP is a central pillar of continental trade, the need to understand, shape, and support this Protocol is critical. How can we take advantage of the AfCFTA?

Dr. Tsotetsi Makong (PhD), the Director Coordination and Programmes at AfCFTA Secretariat, sharing insights about the AfCFTA framework at the AAIPS 5th Edition

Whether you’re from a national IP office, a university, an SME, or an innovation hub, the AAIPS will help you engage directly with AfCFTA stakeholders, understand how the Protocol can support your work, and identify ways to contribute to its successful implementation. If you care about Africa’s future, if you want to be part of reimagining IP from a Pan-African lens, if you believe in the power of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation — then this is the room you need to be in. Will you be part of the conversation? Join us in Dakar this November from 12th to 14th. Let’s make IP work for Africa. Click to Register and secure your seat!

Morocco leads African Nations in the 2025 International Intellectual Property Index

Africa IP Summit — Wed, 07 May 2025 12:14:55 +0000

Morocco maintains its position as the leading country in Africa and the Arab world for intellectual property (IP) protection and innovation. Morocco ranks 22nd globally in intellectual property strength, leading African nations with a score of 59.21 in the 2025 International Intellectual Property Index. It ranks ahead of Ghana (39.48%), Kenya (36.68%), South Africa (35.15%), Nigeria (34.28%), Egypt (31.96%), and Algeria (25.49%), which is at the bottom of the list of African countries in the index.

Significance of Nigeria Draft Geographical Indications Bill

Africa IP Summit — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 08:04:29 +0000

The current policy thrust of the Nigerian government emphasises the need to secure a sustainable international market for products of Nigerian origin¹. In line with this objective, there is a strategic need to institutionalise a comprehensive framework for the recognition, protection, and promotion of Nigerian Geographical Indications (GIS). This effort should aim to harness the unique identity of origin-linked products and ensure their competitiveness in both regional and global markets.

Understanding Geographical Indications (GIs)

Geographical Indications (GIs) as defined under Article 22.1 of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), states that GIs is:

“Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.”

In simpler terms, a Geographical Indication (GI) signifies that a product comes from a specific geographical area and possesses qualities or a reputation tied directly to that region. The relationship between a product’s qualities and its place of origin is what bestows uniqueness upon it. TRIPS sets the minimum global standard for GI protection among WTO member states. Notably, it offers a higher level of protection for wines and spirits, while providing more general safeguards for other goods. The goal is to prevent misuse or imitation of products whose identity and value are tied to their region of origin, International Framework for GIs.

In addition to TRIPS, several international treaties further regulate and promote the use of GIs:

The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883): While broader in scope, it addresses the protection of indications of source, which are foundational to GIs.
The Lisbon Agreement for the Protection of Appellations of Origin (1958) and its Geneva Act (2015): Administered by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), these instruments provide an international registration system for appellations of origin and GIs, expanding the scope and ease of cross-border recognition².

While TRIPS provides a foundational framework for protecting GIs among WTO members, agreements like the Lisbon Agreement offer additional specific protections, especially for certain types of GIs. Notably, Nigeria is a signatory to just two treaties relevant to GIs: the Paris Convention (1883) and TRIPS (1994). However, neither of these agreements has been domesticated into Nigerian law, limiting the legal enforceability of GI protections within the country.

Nigeria’s Institutional Response to GIs system

In response to these gaps, a key milestone was reached in 2021 when the Africa Intellectual Property and Innovation Project (AfrIPI)—an EU-funded initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)—in collaboration with Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (AITCR), has supported the establishment of the Nigerian Technical Working Group on Geographical Indications (NTWG-GI), a public-private sector platform comprising key stakeholders from government ministries, private sector bodies, and IP experts.

The NTWG-GI was tasked with reviewing Nigeria’s existing legislative instruments, benchmarking them against international best practices, and developing a legal and institutional roadmap for a sui generis GI system tailored to Nigeria’s economic, cultural, and regulatory context.

After more than three years of robust consultations, in-depth research, and multi-stakeholder workshops, the NTWG-GI concluded its assignment with the development of a draft Geographical Indications Bill for Nigeria. On 14 January 2025, the NTWG-GI formally submitted the bill to Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, in Abuja, Nigeria. This marked a crucial step in the legislative journey, with the bill now awaiting onward transmission to the Federal Executive Council and eventually the National Assembly

Draft GIs Bill and Its Significance

The draft GIs Bill represents Nigeria’s first attempt at developing a comprehensive sui generis framework for the identification, protection, and commercialisation of GI products.

It provides a legal basis for stakeholders—particularly smallholder farmers and artisanal producers, to register origin-linked products, benefit from premium pricing, and gain access to protected markets. It will also provide Nigerian legislators with a solid framework to guide the enactment of GI legislation.

Supported by AfrIPI and its partners, including AITCR and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legislative Studies (NIALS), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) the draft law is expected to unlock new trade opportunities while preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and biodiversity. The bill outlines mechanisms for registration, enforcement, capacity building, and international recognition of Nigerian GIs.

Looking Ahead: The Role of GIs in Nigeria’s Economic Transformation

The establishment of a GI system is more than a legal reform—it is a pathway to rural development, sustainable agriculture, and global competitiveness. GIs offer producers the opportunity to distinguish their goods, protect their traditional knowledge, and enhance the value chain from production to marketing.

From Ijebu Garri to Yaji (Nigerian Suya Spice), and Akwete Cloth to Ofada Rice and Abakaliki Rice, Nigeria is home to dozens of products with strong territorial identity and market potential. With proper institutional support, these products can emulate the success of international GI champions like Champagne (France), Darjeeling Tea (India), Rooibos Tea (South Africa) and Parma Ham (Italy).

The submission of the draft GI Bill to FMITI signals a new era of intellectual property governance in Nigeria. Once passed into law, it will pave the way for robust GI protection and enforceability, empower producers, attract foreign investment, creating employment in the rural communities and deepen Nigeria’s participation in regional and global trade—particularly under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

In conclusion, Geographical Indications represent a strategic tool for Nigeria’s sustainable development. The momentum behind the GI bill must be sustained through coordinated action from government, development partners, and the private sector to ensure that Nigeria’s origin-linked products receive the recognition and protection they deserve—at home and abroad.

Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (2017) Report of the Sustainable Development of Nigeria Geographical Indications (GIs) Stakeholders Engagement Meeting https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326200577_A_Report_of_Stakeholders_Engagement_Meeting_on_the_Sustainable_Development_of_Nigerian_Geographic_Indications_GIs ︎
World Intellectual Property Organisation and Africa International Trade and Commerce Research (2020) “The Importance of Geographical Indications to the Sustainable Development of Nigeria”, https://www.wipo.int/edocs/mdocs/mdocs/en/wipo_webinar_wno_2020_4/wipo_webinar_wno_2020_4_gi.pdf ︎

Insights and Outcomes from the 5th All Africa IP Summit

Africa IP Summit — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:08:00 +0000

The 5^th All Africa Intellectual Property (IP) Summit 2024 was held in Serena Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda from 28^th – 30^th November 2024 with the theme Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs): The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. The summit was an epoch-making event which gathered policymakers, legal experts, entrepreneurs, innovators and academia across Africa and beyond.

The summit had in attendance delegates from Nigeria, Rwanda, Lesotho, South Africa, Cameroon, Tanzania, Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Ghana, India, Uganda, Madagascar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Finland, Namibia and France.

Through panel discussions, paper presentations and interactive sessions, delegates discussed and explored the critical aspects of intellectual property and its nexus in sustainable development across Africa.

After in-depth dialogues and deliberations, the summit came to the following resolution:

Develop Africa-centric IP framework
Promote IP Awareness and Education
Simplify IP Processes for SMES
Encourage Public-Private Partnerships
Leverage Technology to Enhance IP Systems

Download the comprehensive report here.

Saint Lucia Registers First-Ever Geographical Indication (GI)

Africa IP Summit — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:09:49 +0000

Saint Lucia has achieved a significant milestone in the protection of its intellectual property and cultural heritage with the registration of its first-ever Geographical Indication (GI). This landmark achievement ensures legal protection for one of the island’s locally crafted rums, preventing misuse and imitation while reinforcing the country’s reputation for high-quality, uniquely Saint Lucian products. Saint Lucia’s Geographical Indications Act was introduced in 2000, but it was not until November 2024 that the country officially registered its first GI, following an application submitted in April of the same year.