The African Regional Youth Conference on Intellectual Property, themed “From Ideas to Impact: The Role of IP in Fostering Youth Innovation and Creativity for Sustainable Development,” took place from October 7 to 9, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Organized by the Division for Africa of WIPO in collaboration with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) , the event was conducted under the WIPO-ARIPO-OAPI (W.A.O) framework, with financial support from the Japan Patent Office (JPO).
A Vision for Youth-Driven Development
The conference was inspired by Agenda 2063, the African Union’s strategic framework for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse. Specifically, it aligns with one of the agenda’s seven aspirations: “An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth… with the goal of shaping engaged and empowered youth with opportunities for self-realization.”
Bridging the IP Awareness Gap Among Young Entrepreneurs
With 83 participants, including representatives from 43 African countries and 40 local attendees from Côte d’Ivoire, the conference sought to raise awareness about the practical applications of intellectual property (IP) in entrepreneurship.
A key revelation emerged during discussions: except for one participant, none of the attending young entrepreneurs had registered any form of IP rights despite their extensive business experience. While many had heard of IP, they did not fully understand its relevance to their ventures. This knowledge gap was addressed through sessions covering:
- Fundamentals of IP and its role in business success
- National, regional, and international IP registration systems
- Developing an effective IP strategy
- Business model canvases and commercialization techniques
- Digital marketing strategies
- IP rights enforcement mechanisms
Engaging Sessions and Practical Workshops
Participants engaged in panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities with prominent IP experts, gaining valuable insights into the transformative role of IP. Hands-on workshops provided guidance on branding strategies, patent filing, trademark registration, licensing, and more.
The event also highlighted success stories of African entrepreneurs who have successfully leveraged IP to drive innovation and growth, motivating attendees to integrate IP into their business strategies.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs for a Competitive Future
Recognizing the significant impact of IP education, participants expressed enthusiasm for further learning opportunities. As an immediate step, WIPO provided access to free distance learning courses through the WIPO Academy.
The conference was particularly timely given the expansion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its potential to boost intra-African trade. By equipping young entrepreneurs with IP knowledge and skills, this initiative aims to enhance their competitiveness, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth across Africa.