The best summit ideas are often born outside the conference hall — in the colors of a local market, the rhythm of the waves, or the bold lines of a city monument.

As you count down to the 6th All Africa Intellectual Property Summit (AAIPS) in Dakar, Senegal (12–14 November 2025), this is your invitation to see the host city not just as a destination, but as a living classroom in innovation, culture, and the creative economy.

From the echoes of Gorée Island to the studios of the Village des Arts, every corner of Dakar tells a story of ownership, originality, and value — the same principles that drive the world of intellectual property.

Here’s your curated guide to 15 experiences that will connect you more deeply to the Summit — and maybe even spark your next great idea.

The All Africa IP Summit (AAIPS) 6^th Edition will take place from 12^th to 14^th November 2025, in Dakar, Senegal, at the luxurious 5-Star King Fahd Palace Hôtel, located in Les Almadies, a neighborhood in Dakar, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Did you know that Dakar is often called  the Paris of West Africa?

King Fahd Palace Hotel

Dakar, situated at Africa’s westernmost tip, is where the Atlantic breeze meets a digital future.This blog is your invitation to step outside the conference halls of the King Fahd Palace Hotel and experience 15 moments that embody the essence of intellectual property, from ancestral craftsmanship to modern-day startups.

Chapter I: Heritage as Intellectual Property

1. The Silent Pirogue to Gorée Island (The Story of Heritage Value): Take the early ferry. When you step onto Île de Gorée, the silence is profound. This giganstic UNESCO World Heritage Site, particularly the House of Slaves, is a must visit. It is a lesson in the immeasurable value of human and cultural heritage, the very value your work IP is meant to protect. For IP professionals, this is the foundation of everything we protect: the story of identity, ownership, and collective memory.

2. Standing with Giants: The Renaissance Monument (The Story of Ambition): You can’t miss the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine, the massive bronze family carving Africa’s future into the sky. It’s unapologetically bold, a 52-meter statement of self-determination. When discussing forward-looking policies at the summit, remember this monument’s sheer ambition.

For the AAIPS, this monument resonates with the movement of African innovation, renewal, and creative sovereignty. Let it stand as a reminder of Africa’s creative sovereignty.

3. The IFAN Museum’s Quiet Treasures (The Story of Ancestral IP): Step into the IFAN Museum of African Arts. Among the artifacts, masks, and tapestries, you are witnessing the earliest forms of intellectual property: traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. These works represent the very knowledge modern frameworks seek to recognize and protect. Heritage is not the past; it’s an active form of intellectual capital. How do modern laws protect these ancient crafts? The answer begins here.

Chapter II: The Living Studio, Dakar’s Creative Economy

4. The Soul of the Village des Arts (The Story of Copyright): Head to the Village des Arts de Dakar. This is where paint, metal, and clay become commerce. Walking through the open studios, you see creators pouring their genius into their work. This is the heartbeat of Dakar’s creative industry, where every canvas and sculpture is a tangible piece of copyright. Painters, sculptors, and designers transform raw materials into value, illustrating how copyright fuels the creative economy.

5. The Light in the Photography Museum (The Story of Visual Rights): The Musée de la Photographie de Dakar is a hub for visual storytelling. As an IP professional, you’ll appreciate the gravity of a photograph. In a digital world, this space reminds you of the importance of licensing and protecting images across borders.

6. The Grand Dame: Marché Kermel (The Story of Authenticity): The circular, colonial beauty of Marché Kermel is a sensory overload. But look beyond the colors. This central market is a microcosm of commerce, where the fight for authentic goods, clean sourcing, and protected regional brands (Geographical Indications) is a daily reality. Located downtown, it offers a mix of colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and market culture — an experiential snapshot of the city. For networking: informal outings around the corniche or markets can spark meaningful cultural connections. Be on the lookout for the Madd de Casamance: Senegal’s first registered geographical indication.

7. The Hustle of Marché Sandaga : The bustling Marché Sandaga is the biggest market in Dakar and where local entrepreneurship thrives. Every stall owner, every textile pattern, every product name is a brand in the making. It’s a real-world clinic on the importance of distinguishing your goods — the essence of trademarks. If you’re looking for the best fabrics, add this market to your itinerary. For those interested in design, trademarks, and fashion IP, this is a living classroom on how creativity becomes commerce.

Photos by Madame Tay

Chapter III: Perspective and Purpose

8. The Pink Lake Paradox (The Story of Natural Assets): Drive out to Lac Rose (Lake Rëtba). The sight of the pink water is surreal — the salt mountains are striking. This is an asset of nature, but the business of harvesting the salt, developing sustainable tourism, and branding local products involves IP every step of the way.  About 35 km from Dakar, this pink-hued saline lake is both a natural wonder and a site of traditional salt harvesting.

9. The View from Phare des Mamelles (The Story of Perspective): Climb the hill to the Phare des Mamelles. This historic lighthouse sits on one of Dakar’s highest points. From here, you see the entire panorama of the city and the ocean. It’s the perfect spot to gain perspective.

10. The Evening Stroll on Corniche Ouest (The Story of Connection): As the sun sets, take a walk along the Corniche Ouest. The coastal air is invigorating. The evening strolls are perfect for reflection, informal networking sessions, and getting the Dakar city experience. The best ideas are often born outside the conference hall. Take this walk not just for the view, but for perspective — the same kind you’ll need for shaping Africa’s IP future.

11. The Ngor Break (The Story of Surf Culture): Grab a pirogue to Île de N’Gor. This relaxing island is known for its legendary surf spot. It’s a glimpse into the dynamic youth culture that often drives modern trends, from action sports to sustainable tourism — all creative industries reliant on IP.

Chapter IV: Innovation, Infrastructure & the IP Frontier

12. The Grandeur of Massalikoul Djinane (The Story of Vision): Do not miss the Mosque Massalikoul Djinane. This is one of West Africa’s largest mosques — a modern architectural marvel. Its existence symbolizes significant investment, rapid development, and Senegal’s ability to execute complex, grand-scale projects — a confidence that extends to its economic vision.

13. The Roar of the Stadium Leopold Sedar Senghor (The Story of Sports IP): The Stade du Sénégal, also called Stade Président Abdoulaye Wade, situated in Diamniadio – the city of the future, isn’t just a building; it’s a monument to national pride. Remember that the entire business of African sport—from broadcasting deals to team logos and athlete endorsements—is built on sports IP and brand value.

14. The Late Hours in Les Almadies: When the summit doors close, head to the Bel Air/Almadies Nightlife District. The coastal lounges and restaurants here are where international business deals often get their final handshake. Network, unwind, and see Dakar’s sophisticated, nocturnal business environment. Let the Atlantic breeze be your after-hours co-host. Find the best bars in Almadies here.

15. A Stop at CTIC Dakar (The Story of Patent Potential): Finally, make time for the Dakar Innovation & Tech Hubs Zone, like CTIC Dakar. Dakar has positioned itself as a hub for innovation in Africa, with numerous start-ups and incubators driving innovation. The youth in Dakar are building platforms, apps, and solutions that will define the next generation of African patents and several other IP rights. The Summit offers the chance to connect with this thriving ecosystem — are you ready to connect?  Read more here.

Dakar is a fitting a host for this year’s AAIPS because, Senegal is actively building a digital and innovation ecosystem, evidenced by its new ‘New Technological Deal’ roadmap focusing on infrastructure and affordable internet. The country’s innovation scene is growing, with CTIC Dakar being a key tech startup incubator. Visiting the Dakar Innovation & Tech Hubs Zone offers direct insight into the country’s entrepreneurial and IP ecosystem. Dakar has hosted ministerial conferences on IP, demonstrating Senegal’s important position in Africa’s emerging IP ecosystem. Furthermore, the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) emphasizes the role of innovation via IP in its member states, with events held in Dakar.

As you prepare to join the All Africa IP Summit, take time to experience the city that embodies its mission. Every mural, melody, and marketplace in Dakar carries the same message:

Value is born when ideas are protected, shared, and celebrated.

Welcome to Dakar, Senegal — where Africa’s creative heritage meets its innovative future.

Did you know that Senegal has some of the best cuisines in Africa? Ensure to try thieboudienne, Senegal’s national dish.

For more about Dakar: visit: https://thewanderingafro.com/senegal-travel-guide/

This timely webinar presents a dynamic platform where creators, policymakers, CMOs, academics, and other key stakeholders come together to explore inclusive copyright frameworks tailored to Africa’s unique needs. It promises to spotlight how copyright systems can better empower Africa’s diverse creative economy, from rural artisans and marginalized communities to digital innovators.

Webinar Objectives and Significance

The webinar seeks to:

• Promote dialogue on copyright frameworks that are inclusive and equitable.
• Enhance understanding of collective management rights and practices.
• Share knowledge of effective CMO operations and technology use.
• Highlight opportunities within Africa’s digital and knowledge economies.
• Address persistent challenges and provide actionable policy recommendations.

This event aligns with the broader goal of catalyzing change ahead of the 6th All Africa IP Summit in Dakar, Senegal (12th-14th November 2025), where the theme centers on “Building an Inclusive Intellectual Property Ecosystem for Africa’s Future”.

Target Audience

The webinar welcomes a wide range of participants, including:

• Creators such as authors, artists, and performers.
• Copyright offices, policymakers, and CMOs.
• Academics, researchers, and students.
• Civil society and professional associations.
• International organizations and development partners.
• Government representatives and other IP enthusiasts.

Featured Presentations and Speakers

The session features three expert-led presentations:

• Digital Transformation and Collective Management in Africa by Joseph Baffour Gyamfi, Executive Director of CopyGhana (Ghana). This presentation will explore how emerging technologies like blockchain, AI, and metadata systems are revolutionizing rights management and royalty distribution, tackling digital piracy, and strengthening African CMOs. He will also share success stories from African CMOs embracing digital transformation
• Strengthening Copyright Frameworks to Support African Creators by David Jeng, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Expert (Gambia). Focus will be on adapting copyright laws to empower African artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers, with attention to marginalized groups, simplifying registration, and enforcement processes, and featuring successful grassroots initiatives. He will spotlight efforts to simplify copyright processes, reduce barriers for rural artisans, women, and persons with disabilities, and showcase grassroots initiatives that have effectively engaged marginalized groups
• Regional Collaboration for Harmonized Copyright Policies in Africa by Lynda Alphaeus, Director of Nigeria Copyright Commission, Lagos. This talk will shed light on opportunities for harmonizing copyright standards through regional frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to enhance cross-border creativity and innovation.

This webinar offers a critical opportunity for Africa’s copyright and creative community to unite, share expertise, and chart a path forward that benefits creators continent-wide. Mark your calendar for 15th September 2025 and join this important conversation to help shape a more inclusive and empowering copyright regime for Africa’s future.

Sign up here to attend the webinar.

It was noted that this annual celebration marks a vital platform to showcase how IP contributes to transforming African economies and this was evident from the theme of the webinar “Driving Regional Integration and Economic Development in Africa through IP,” underscoring the strategic importance of IP in harnessing African innovation and commercial potential.

Sand Mba Kalu, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the All Africa IP Summit, in his opening remarks, noted that IP today is a cornerstone of global competitiveness, essential for innovation and wealth creation worldwide. “For Africa, leveraging IP systems effectively is pivotal to unlocking the continent’s vast talent, cultural diversity, and resources, ensuring that innovations translate into jobs, industries, and revenues rather than missed opportunities”.

The webinar featured expert presentations covering critical topics:

Fatou Camara – Head of Intellectual Property Service, Groupe Sonatel. Lawyer and OAPI-accredited IP attorney, discussed IP financing and investment challenges facing African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). She highlighted difficulties in accessing finance due to valuation complexities, high interest rates, and administrative barriers. Despite these challenges, innovative partnerships like those by OAPI aim to unlock capital by recognizing IP as bank collateral.

Annie Ndo’o – Official at the Ministry of Trade (Cameroon), and an expert on TRIPS-related issues, presented on harmonizing IP laws to foster regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Dou explained how IP protocols, the African Medicines Agency, and strategies for geographical indications are fundamental in building a coherent continental IP framework that supports economic cooperation and innovation transfer.

Efua Jennifer Sandra Johnston, a magistrate from Benin who represented Obambi Wilfrid Vivien, the Deputy Secretary of the African Network of Intellectual Property Judges (RAMPI), addressed enforcement gaps and the coexistence of different IP protection systems in Africa, such as those governed by OAPI and ARIPO. She emphasized the challenges innovators face due to administrative complexity, high costs, and lack of effective cross-border enforcement, reinforcing the need for stronger harmonization and collaboration.

Michèle Tatiana Ampfounyele – Head Intellectual Property Department at  Maître Cheikh Fall Law Firm, and OAPI accredited agent in Senegal, highlighted communication and governance issues plaguing IP in Africa. She called for policy cohesion and increased awareness among enterprises and stakeholders to realize IP’s full benefits for economic growth.

The discussions were moderated by Mamadou Siradjo Diallo, an IP lawyer at Louis Vuitton and OAPI accredited IP attorney and the webinar was hosted by JeanPierre Nyemeg an intellectual property specialist in the OAPI Region. 

The webinar reinforced the call to action: collaboration, policy alignment, and capacity building are essential to unlock Africa’s IP potential. Participants were encouraged to register for the upcoming All Africa Intellectual Property Summit scheduled for November 12-14, 2025, in Dakar, Senegal, which promises to be a landmark event for advancing Africa’s IP ecosystem.

This webinar reaffirmed the vital intersection of creativity, innovation, and inclusive growth in shaping a unified African market that leverages intellectual property as a key driver for sustainable development and regional integration. The dialogue marks a significant step forward in Africa’s journey towards fully realizing the transformative power of intellectual property.

The All Africa Intellectual Property Summit continues to serve as a critical platform for dialogue, ideas, and solutions to strengthen IP across the continent, uniting policymakers, innovators, academics, and development partners in pursuit of a thriving African IP ecosystem. The momentum from this event will carry forward into the Summit and beyond, fostering lasting progress for Africa’s creative and innovative future.

The All Africa Intellectual Property (IP) Summit has become the continent’s premier platform for charting a different future. It gathers policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil society to shape an IP ecosystem that reflects Africa’s realities and ambitions. Now preparing for its 6th edition in Dakar, Senegal (12–14 November 2025, C.I.C.A.D.), the Summit is expanding both in scope and impact.

Two airlines—Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace—stand out as corporate champions of this journey. Their support demonstrates how aviation, like IP, connects people, ideas, and opportunities. By easing mobility, they are not simply transporting delegates; they are flying the flag of African innovation.

Building Momentum: From Kigali to Dakar

The 5th All Africa IP Summit 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme “Intellectual Property Rights: The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa,” gathered delegates from across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Ethiopian Airlines played a crucial role by offering discounted flights, enabling innovators, SMEs, and policymakers to participate despite financial barriers.

The Summit concluded with the Kigali Declaration on IP for Sustainable Development, which called for:

• Developing Africa-centric IP frameworks.
• Promoting IP awareness and education.
• Simplifying IP processes for SMEs.
• Strengthening public–private partnerships.
• Leveraging technology to modernise IP systems.

These outcomes set the stage for Dakar 2025, where discussions will deepen under the theme: “Building an Inclusive IP Ecosystem for Africa’s Future.”

The Role of Airlines: More Than Transport

The involvement of African airlines highlights the synergy between connectivity and innovation.

• Ethiopian Airlines has consistently supported pan-African initiatives, reinforcing inclusivity by reducing travel costs for youth innovators, startups, and SMEs. Its support underscores aviation’s role as a catalyst for knowledge sharing across borders.
• Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading carrier, has stepped up as a strategic supporter of the Dakar Summit. By offering affordable and reliable access, it ensures that women, youth, MSMEs, and marginalised innovators—often excluded by mobility constraints—can join the conversation.

Together, these airlines are proving that African corporates can actively shape the continent’s transformation agenda. Just as IP unlocks the value of ideas, airlines unlock the flow of people, markets, and partnerships.

Intellectual Property and AfCFTA: Unlocking Opportunities

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with its 1.4 billion people and $3.4 trillion GDP, represents Africa’s biggest economic opportunity. But its success requires more than trade agreements, it requires robust IP systems.

Strong IPRs will:

• Protect African innovations in music, film, fashion, tech, and agriculture.
• Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) through predictable legal frameworks.
• Enable cross-border trade in creative and digital services.
• Safeguard indigenous knowledge and geographical indications.

The Dakar Summit will therefore serve as a critical forum to align IP with AfCFTA, ensuring that Africa trades not only goods, but also ideas, brands, and creativity.

Key Objectives of the 6th Summit

The Dakar edition will move beyond policy talk to deliver practical strategies:

• Facilitate Dialogue: Bring governments, IP offices, and businesses together.
• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure women, youth, SMEs, and indigenous communities are active participants.
• Support AfCFTA: Position IP as a driver of integration and industrialisation.
• Strengthen Innovation: Harness IP for competitiveness in science, tech, culture, and the digital economy.
• Policy Harmonisation: Advocate for IP laws aligned across Africa.
• Empower Marginalised Groups: Mainstream excluded voices into Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

Exhibition Pavilion & IP Marketplace

A major new feature in Dakar will be the Exhibition Pavilion and IP Marketplace—a space to showcase African creativity, technology, and cultural heritage. Its objectives include:

• Highlighting cutting-edge African innovations.
• Promoting traditional knowledge and cultural assets.
• Fostering networking between innovators, investors, and policymakers.
• Educating the public on IP’s role in development.
• Providing visibility for IP offices, law firms, and advisory services.

This marketplace transforms the Summit from a policy dialogue into a springboard for commercialisation, partnerships, and investment.

Towards Africa’s Economic Renaissance

As Sand Mba-Kalu, Chairman of the Organising Committee, puts it:

“IP is not only about laws and rights—it is about livelihoods, jobs, and Africa’s ability to compete globally. This Summit is Africa’s opportunity to define an IP ecosystem that serves its people and drives its future.”

The collaboration of Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace illustrates a broader truth: Africa’s renaissance will not be built by governments alone but through strategic partnerships across public and private sectors.

By connecting the skies and the innovation ecosystem, these airlines are not only transporting passengers—they are carrying Africa’s ideas into global markets.

Innovation Ready for Take-Off

The story of the All Africa IP Summit, from Kigali to Dakar, is the story of Africa claiming its place in the global knowledge economy. With champions like Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace, Africa is proving that innovation is its greatest resource—and with the right IP systems, that resource can fuel sustainable development, industrialisation, and cultural pride.

The message is clear: Africa’s innovation is ready for take-off.

 ATIP Day, celebrated annually under the leadership of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), provides a timely opportunity to reflect on the role of Intellectual Property (IP) and technology in promoting innovation, economic growth, and regional cooperation across the continent.

 The webinar theme is particularly relevant as Africa undergoes a technological transformation, reshaping industries, economies, and societies. Effective protection and strategic use of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) are vital to this transition, enabling competitiveness, fostering innovation, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

 At the heart of this discussion lies OAPI’s unique regional IP system. By harmonizing intellectual property laws across its member states, OAPI reduces barriers to cross-border protection and commercialization. This unified regime not only strengthens innovation ecosystems but also complements the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by providing the legal and institutional backbone innovators and businesses need to seize the expanded opportunities created by a continental single market.

 The AfCFTA, now the world’s largest free trade area by membership, seeks to create a unified market for goods and services across Africa. Its success, however, depends on more than trade liberalization; it requires strong enabling frameworks like IP to safeguard creativity, incentivize research, and facilitate technology transfer. Together, AfCFTA and OAPI form a powerful nexus for driving Africa’s integration into the global knowledge economy.

 Africa’s innovation landscape already offers promising signs of this potential. From artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) to e-commerce, healthcare, and education, homegrown start-ups are building solutions tailored to the continent’s realities. Governments, too, are stepping up: Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa have adopted AI strategies, national digital economy policies, and data protection laws designed to foster responsible innovation and attract investment.

 When these technological and policy developments converge with harmonized IP frameworks, Africa is better positioned not only to accelerate regional integration but also to emerge as a competitive player in the global innovation economy.

 Join us as we explore how Africa’s innovation ecosystem, combined with strong and harmonized IP frameworks, can accelerate technological and economic development in Africa.

Meet the Speaker Line-Up:

Fatou Camara – Head of Intellectual Property Service, Groupe Sonatel. Lawyer and OAPI-accredited IP attorney.

An accomplished jurist and OAPI-accredited IP attorney with over a decade of experience. She will explore “IP Financing and Investment: Unlocking Capital for Startups and SMEs Across Africa.”

  Obambi Wilfrid Vivien – Magistrate, Court of Appeal of Dolisie (Congo); Deputy Secretary, (Secrétaire adjoint du Réseau Africain des Magistrats de propriété intellectuelle )RAMPI
A leading figure in IP law and Magistrate Counsellor at the Court of Appeal of Dolisie (Congo). He will discuss “Strengthening Cross-Border IP Protection and Enforcement: A Case for Regional Cooperation in Africa.”

  Michèle Tatiana Ampfounyele – Head Intellectual Property Department at  Maître Cheikh Fall Law Firm, and OAPI accredited agent in Senegal.

Specialist in industrial property within the OAPI region. She will highlight “The OAPI Approved Agent: A Key Player in the Development of Industrial Property in the OAPI Area.”

  Annie Ndo’o – Officer at the Ministry of Trade (Cameroon), Expert on TRIPS-related issues and the AfCFTA framework.

She will share insights on “Harmonizing IP Laws Across Africa: Pathways to Regional Integration under AfCFTA.”

The panel will be moderated by Mamadou Siradjo Diallo, an IP lawyer at Louis Vuitton and OAPI accredited IP attorney. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives from experts shaping Africa’s IP ecosystem.

Date: 10^th September 2025

Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm WAT.

Venue: Online – Scan the QR code below to register

It is within this context that the All Africa IP Summit continues to gain momentum and widespread support. As the premier continental platform dedicated to IP dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, the Summit has become a magnet for stakeholders across industries. At the heart of its success, however, lies the crucial role of legal practitioners, the IP attorneys, law firms, and legal scholars who design, enforce, and shape the frameworks that protect and commercialize intellectual property across the continent.

Whether it is drafting commercialization agreements, negotiating licensing deals, representing clients in infringement disputes, or guiding innovators through patent and trademark filing processes, lawyers remain indispensable players in ensuring Africa’s IP ecosystem is both robust and future-ready. Recognizing this, many leading IP law firms across the continent have stepped forward as delegates and partners of the 6th Edition of the All Africa IP Summit, which will be held from November 12th to 14th in Dakar, Senegal.

Key Legal Partners Driving the IP Conversation in Africa

Several distinguished firms have already joined forces with the Summit, underlining the shared commitment to address Africa’s IP challenges and opportunities.

From Nigeria

• Jackson, Etti & Edu (JEE)

With nearly 30 years of legal excellence, Jackson, Etti & Edu is widely recognized as one of Africa’s premier law firms specializing in intellectual property. The firm is consistently ranked by Chambers Global, Who’s Who Legal, and The Legal 500 EMEA for its outstanding service delivery. Proudly Nigerian yet resolutely Pan-African, JEE operates six offices strategically located across Africa, serving both the private and public sectors, global multinationals, and celebrated entrepreneurs. Their partnership with the Summit highlights their deep commitment to advancing IP discourse and providing legal solutions that empower African innovators on the global stage.

• Senocean Law Practice

Known for its strong reputation in IP law and client-focused legal solutions, Senocean Law Practice adds another layer of expertise to the Summit. The firm has built a name for itself in offering effective, practical, and innovative legal strategies tailored to meet the unique challenges of Africa’s IP landscape. Their presence at the Summit underscores the importance of diverse Nigerian legal voices shaping the continental IP conversation.

From Ghana

• SN ANKU Intellectual Property

Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, SN ANKU is a trusted West African IP powerhouse with a footprint spanning 22 ARIPO member states. The firm also operates strategically from Lagos and Port Harcourt (Nigeria), Banjul (The Gambia), and Wyoming (USA). With a specialization in intellectual property law and consultancy, SN ANKU has earned a reputation for reliability, efficiency, and quality service delivery. By tailoring services to protect innovations across multiple jurisdictions, the firm embodies the cross-border vision required to strengthen Africa’s IP ecosystem. Their partnership with the Summit reflects their commitment to ensuring that African businesses and creators can safeguard and commercialize their ideas in both regional and global markets.

Why Legal Practitioners Matter at the All Africa IP Summit

The participation of leading law firms and IP practitioners sends a strong message: Africa’s IP future is safe when lawyers are at the table. Their involvement ensures that the legal challenges of enforcement, commercialization, and harmonization of IP laws across different African jurisdictions are not just debated but addressed with actionable solutions.

The 6th Edition of the Summit, themed “Building an Inclusive IP Ecosystem for Africa’s Transformation,” will provide a platform where policy meets practice. It will engage not only law firms but also innovators, business leaders, creatives, researchers, and regulators, ensuring that Africa’s IP ecosystem reflects inclusivity, dynamism, and sustainability.

If you are a legal practitioner wondering whether the All Africa IP Summit is the right platform for you, the answer is clear: Yes. Whether as a delegate, a partner, or an exhibitor showcasing your firm’s expertise, your voice and experience are vital to shaping Africa’s IP future.

The Summit is not just about networking, it is about driving transformation. It is about ensuring Africa’s innovators are equipped with the right legal protections to compete globally. It is about creating the frameworks that will allow the continent’s next generation of creators, inventors, and entrepreneurs to thrive.

Save the Date: November 12th – 14th, 2025 Dakar, Senegal

The 6th Edition of the All Africa IP Summit promises to be the most impactful yet. You cannot afford to miss it.

Register here to attend the Summit.

Why Exhibit at the All Africa IP Summit?

1) Brand Visibility & Market Expansion: Exhibitions present unparalleled brand visibility, networking, and market positioning opportunities. AAIPS draws a concentrated audience of government, business and creative sector stakeholders, so a booth will spotlight your products, services and IP portfolio to exactly the people who matter. Exhibitors can demonstrate solutions face-to-face, creating memorable impressions that amplify brand recognition beyond any digital campaign. This level of exposure – to policymakers, international partners and potential funders – is hard to replicate elsewhere.

2) Networking with Decision-Makers: The summit convenes 300+ delegates – including government officials from ministries and agencies directly involved in IP and innovation development, industry leaders, investors, academia and innovators. This makes it an exceptional networking forum. Startups and SMEs can meet government agencies and corporate buyers, legal experts can engage new clients, and academics can connect with industry to commercialize research.

3) Policy Influence: Exhibiting at the Summit means you are part of shaping Africa’s IP future. AAIPS is designed as a “Pan-African movement” for IP policy alignment. Startups, consultancies and institutions will have unprecedented access to policymakers.

 4) Access to Finance and New Markets: Investors and development agencies attend the summit looking for promising innovations. By showcasing at AAIPS, you open doors to funding discussions and joint ventures. The Summit is a marketplace for a diverse community looking to partner, support, invest, and grow innovative ideas for Africa’s future. You cannot afford the opportunity to showcase what you have to contribute to a thriving, inclusive IP ecosystem in Africa.

5) Thought Leadership & Credibility: IP firms, consultants and universities can use their booths to position themselves as leaders. If you are a creator, investor, entrepreneur or student looking to understand the Africa IP ecosystem and your role in the movement, how you can utilize IP as a tool for innovation-driven growth, this is your chance to connect with the industry leaders.

 6) Learning and Feedback: As an exhibitor, be ready to receive valuable insights from Summit attendees.

What can you expect and where can you target to place your booth?

a) Innovation & Technology Zone: for innovators, entrepreneurs and creators – are you creating IP? Come and showcase your knowledge wealth.

b) Cultural Heritage & Creativity Zone: What is unique about your traditional cultural heritage? Where is the creativity? Bring it on to the AAIPS.

c) SMEs & Industrial Innovation Zone: Whether you are a small business, start-up or research group ready to take over the world using IP, we are ready to host you.

d) Youth & Women Entrepreneurs Zone: We know that the youth and women are creating, innovating and building, so come ready to showcase at the Summit.

e) IP Experts & Advisory Zone: Are you a law firm, an IP Consultancy or a National IP Office ready to demonstrate your service and how they can be accessed? The AAIPS exhibition has catered for you.

Intellectual Property is crucial to Africa’s development and intra-continental trade. By protecting inventions, designs, brands, and cultural creations, IP promotes investment, innovation, and creativity. The All Africa IP Summit is a movement gathering all industry leaders and key players ready to transform Africa’s IP ecosystem. Exhibiting at the Summit is one way to join the movement. Innovation isn’t silent, exhibit loud at the All Africa IP Summit 6^th Edition in Dakar, Senegal.
Apply now to exhibit and reserve your booth in Dakar: https://africaipsummit.it-rc.org/exhibition-form/ 

Note: Applications for exhibition close on September 30th 2025.

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.

This year’s summit will take place in Senegal, a member state of the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI). RAMPI has become a household name across the OAPI region, recognized for its commitment to strengthening the enforcement of IP rights and supporting the judiciary in protecting the work of Africa’s creators and innovators.

Why RAMPI? Why now?

RAMPI is a powerful initiative focused on building stronger IP systems in Africa through regional collaboration among magistrates. It enhances judicial understanding and application of IP law, which is crucial for fair dispute resolution and effective enforcement of IP rights.

In the words of Mr. Max-Lamberts Ndema Elongue, the President of RAMPI, “this partnership will promote the sharing of experiences and best practices, while also contributing to the building of an inclusive and balanced ecosystem conducive to creativity and innovation on the continent.”

There is no doubt that RAMPI and All Africa IP Summit share common objectives for building an effective IP ecosystem in Africa, and it is anticipated that this partnership will foster reflection on cross-cutting issues relating to the application of Intellectual Property Rights in Africa.

Earlier this year, on March 20, 2025, OAPI and RAMPI formalized their partnership through an agreement that provides a framework for joint efforts to strengthen the capacity of judicial actors in OAPI member states. This collaboration directly supports AAIPS’ mission of building networks, strengthening partnerships, and driving a unified approach to IP protection across the continent.

The strategic partnership between Réseau Africain de la Propriété Intellectuelle des Magistrats and the All Africa IP Summit will strengthen the credibility, coherence, and impact of the African intellectual property system.

According to Mr. Obambi Wilfrid Vivien, Deputy Secretary General of RAMPI, this partnership with the All Africa IP Summit will bring recognized judicial expertise to discussions on intellectual property in Africa and promote one of the All Africa IP Summit’s main objectives which is the harmonization of legal and judicial practices in the field of IP across Africa. In his words;

RAMPI’s involvement with the All Africa IP Summit will support the development of practical recommendations to strengthen the security and efficiency of the African IP system.

As we gather in Dakar, RAMPI’s involvement will bring deep judicial insight, cross-border networks, and practical solutions to the most pressing challenges in Africa’s IP landscape, especially adjudicating cross-border IP disputes and fostering collaboration between the OAPI and ARIPO regions.

A Partnership to Address Africa’s pressing IP challenges:

One of the persistent challenges in Africa’s IP landscape is the effective resolution of cross-border disputes. This is often due to limited judicial capacity and fragmented legal approaches across the continent. How do we bridge this gap? How can we build robust institutional and administrative structures to support effective IP enforcement?

These critical questions will be at the heart of the AAIPS 6th Edition, as we explore this year’s theme:

“Building an Inclusive and Resilient IP Ecosystem for Africa’s Future”

The summit will explore questions such as;

• How do we [African] build institutional and administrative infrastructure and capacity for IP adjudication?
• What role can ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) play in streamlining dispute resolution?
• How do we harmonize legal and administrative approaches across regions?
• How can Africa harmonize IP dispute resolution to foster innovation and growth, and what role does the AfCFTA have to play in this area?

Africa’s challenges are unique to us, and we hold the solutions, provided we work together to address these common challenges under shared objectives of growth, to build the Africa We Want, an Africa where innovation and creativity thrive and support our nation’s economic development. The partnership with RAMPI for the All Africa IP Summit 6th Edition is crucial for sharing experiences, best practices, and joining the vital discussions so as to contribute to the construction of an inclusive, balanced, and innovation-friendly ecosystem on the continent.

That is why AAIPS 6th Edition is a must-attend, especially for:

• IP practitioners
• Legal professionals
• Judges and magistrates
• Policymakers
• Innovators and rights holders across both the OAPI and ARIPO regions.

RAMPI brings an extensive network of unparalleled expertise to judicial professionals and IP practitioners, offering a wealth of experience in adjudicating IP disputes. Participants at the 6th edition of AAIPS will benefit from RAMPI’s thought leadership and practical insights, empowering them to address the unique challenges facing Africa’s IP ecosystem.

RAMPI’s expertise and commitment to capacity-building for adjudication and administration of justice in IP disputes make this partnership with AAIPS a powerful force for change.

The AAIPS is committed to driving continental progress by identifying areas for improvement, fostering collaboration, and building a stronger, more inclusive Africa IP framework. Having RAMPI as a partner at the 6th AAIPS is a testament to our shared vision for a dynamic and unified African IP landscape.

Since 2021, RAMPI has successfully organized conferences in Abidjan, Dakar, N’Djamena, and most recently in Gabon, bringing together both members and non-members of OAPI. We are proud to welcome RAMPI as a partner for the 6th edition of AAIPS. The 2024 RAMPI Annual Conference focused on civil IP litigation, anti-counterfeiting investigations, and the adjudication and enforcement of IP offenses. Let’s continue these vital discussions in Dakar, Senegal, from 12th to 14th November 2025.

Don’t miss out! Click here to register before early bird registration closes.

Interview conducted as part of the “Voices from the Summit” blog series, celebrating intellectual property changemakers in Africa’s intellectual property landscape.

Idris Malik (of Akinlawon & Ajomo Legal Practitioners, Nigeria), presented a paper at the All Africa IP Summit 5th Edition, on “Promoting Economic Growth and Decent Work through Trademark Protection“. 

Summit Impact & Personal Journey

Q: What inspired you to submit a paper for the AAIPS, and what did your paper selection mean to you?

The theme of the Summit inspired my submission. “Intellectual Property Rights: The Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa” deeply resonated with me, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to the IP landscape in Africa gave me even more motivation. Having my paper selected was both inspiring and validating. It reaffirmed my commitment to being part of the change we want to see in Africa’s IP sector.

“Having my paper selected was both inspiring and validating. It reaffirmed my commitment to being part of the change we want to see in Africa’s IP sector.”

Q: How did the Summit change your perspective on the role of IP in Africa’s development as a researcher?

The Summit exposed me to the real possibility of Africanizing IP. It validated my belief that it’s high time we, as Africans, cooperated to make IP work for us in ways that reflect our realities and aspirations.

Q: Can you describe a moment during the Summit when you were particularly inspired by speaker?

There were countless inspiring moments, but what stood out most was Mr. Olusegun Olutayo’s session. He emphasized that if IP is going to work in Africa for Africans, then it’s up to us all. That statement struck a deep chord with me—it was both a challenge and a call to action.

“If IP is going to work in Africa for Africans, then it’s up to us all.” – Mr. Olusegun Olutayo (as quoted by Idris Malik)

Q: What makes the All Africa IP Summit more than just a conference?

The All Africa IP Summit is more than a gathering—it is a movement for continental transformation. It fosters progressive resolutions and real collaboration. Anyone genuinely invested in Africa’s development must make it a priority to attend this Summit.

Q: What message would you give to someone who’s interested in submitting their paper?

My message is simple: Just do it. Be part of the change. Let’s make history together.

Networking

Q: How did the Summit create space for meaningful conversations beyond sessions?

The tea and coffee breaks created great moments for networking. I connected with several attendees, which opened the door to valuable collaborations—some of which I am still exploring.

Q: Was there a unique energy at the Summit?

Absolutely. The true impact of the Summit is best experienced in person. There is a unique energy that connects you deeply to the mission of making IP work for Africa.

“You can’t read the room if you’re not in the room.”

Q: Any advice to first-time attendees?

Throw yourself into the experience. Start conversations, show genuine interest, collect contacts, and find meaningful ways to follow up. Networking at the Summit is about showing up and staying engaged.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Insights

Q: How did the Summit shape your thinking on IP and economic integration?

The Summit clarified that IP is central to economic development. When creatives are protected and rewarded, innovation and the economy thrive. AfCFTA gives Africa a real chance to level up.

Q: How can IP boost cross-border trade under AfCFTA?

With reciprocity across member countries, export procedures would become easier and more affordable, especially for creators and SMEs.

Q: Have you observed tangible changes after the Summit?

Yes. In Nigeria, AfCFTA Nigeria and the Nigerian Bar Association have collaborated to raise awareness about IP and cross-border legal practice. I’ve had the privilege of attending these sessions.

City Spotlights: Kigali to Dakar

Q: What did you enjoy most about attending the Summit in Kigali?

The people. The attendees were genuinely committed to advancing IP for Africa. The sessions were honest and thought-provoking. And the food? Excellent!

Q: How did the city enhance your experience?

It was my first time traveling out of Nigeria, and Kigali was incredible. Clean, organized, and welcoming. A memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Q: Why should people attend the AAIPS in Dakar?

If you are looking for solutions to the challenges facing IP in Africa, Dakar is where you need to be. You’ll hear from the frontliners and drivers of change. Come make history.

This interview is part of the All Africa IP Summit Blog Series. Submit your abstract here for a chance to share your insights about IP and Development in Africa at the upcoming All Africa IP Summit 6th Edition in Dakar, Senegal. Early bird registration is open. Register here to attend and be part of the movement.