Intellectual property experts and stakeholders from across African countries are set to gather in Nairobi, Kenya, in a concerted effort to position intellectual property as a major driver of trade, industrialization, and creative economy growth across the continent.
Summit Theme and Objectives
The summit, themed “Mainstreaming Intellectual Property for Africa’s Trade, Industrial and Creative Economy Transformation,” will bring together policymakers, IP experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, legal practitioners, academics, investors, development partners, and industry leaders. The goal is to transform intellectual property into a strategic economic asset.
Focus on Integration under AfCFTA
According to the organizing committee chairman, Sand Mba-Kalu, the summit will concentrate on how intellectual property can be integrated into Africa’s trade systems, industrial policies, innovation ecosystems, and creative industries within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The organizers emphasized that this gathering has become one of Africa’s premier platforms for shaping policy discussions on intellectual property, innovation, and enterprise competitiveness. Since its inception, the summit has tackled issues ranging from IP protection and innovation challenges to the role of IP in sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
Shift to Practical Implementation
The 2026 edition aims to shift focus from policy conversations to practical implementation strategies designed to unlock commercial value from Africa’s intellectual assets. Organizers stated that the seventh edition will explore pathways for strengthening technology transfer, enterprise development, regional cooperation, and investment opportunities linked to intellectual property.
Event Details and Activities
The three-day event, scheduled from November 11 to 13, 2026, will feature policy dialogues, expert panel discussions, technical sessions, exhibitions, innovation showcases, research presentations, and networking engagements. It will also provide platforms for innovators, creators, researchers, and businesses to present technologies, products, and creative works to investors, policymakers, and market stakeholders.
Participation is expected from government agencies, intellectual property offices, universities, law firms, research institutions, technology hubs, small and medium-sized enterprises, development organizations, regional economic communities, and international partners.
Call for Participation
The Summit Secretariat announced that registration, exhibition, and partnership opportunities for the event are now open. Stakeholders across sectors have been invited to participate in this continental gathering aimed at harnessing intellectual property for Africa’s economic transformation.
