Summit to Advance Intellectual Property as a Strategic Driver of Africa’s Trade, Industrial and Creative Economy Transformation
Nairobi, Kenya — Nairobi is set to host the 7th Edition of the All Africa Intellectual Property Summit from 11–13 November 2026, bringing together policymakers, intellectual property experts, innovators, legal practitioners, entrepreneurs, creators, academics, investors, development partners, industry leaders and regional institutions from across Africa and the global IP ecosystem.
Held under the theme “Mainstreaming Intellectual Property for Africa’s Trade, Industrial and Creative Economy Transformation,” the 2026 edition will provide a strategic platform for repositioning intellectual property as a central enabler of Africa’s competitiveness, innovation, industrialisation, creative economy growth, enterprise development and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The All Africa IP Summit has grown into one of the continent’s most important platforms for shaping Africa’s intellectual property future. Since its inception, the Summit has consistently advanced critical conversations on how intellectual property can work for Africa and Africans, support innovation, protect creativity, strengthen enterprise competitiveness, promote technology transfer and deepen regional cooperation.
Previous editions of the Summit have addressed major continental themes, including “How Can IP Work for Africa and Africans?” in 2020, “Making IP Work for Africans and Africa” in 2021, “Intellectual Property Protection in Africa” in 2022, “Shaping the Future of Intellectual Property in Africa: Innovations, Challenges and AfCFTA” in 2023, “Intellectual Property Rights: Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals in Africa” in 2024, and “Building an Inclusive IP Ecosystem for Africa’s Future” in 2025. Each edition has helped to elevate the role of intellectual property in Africa’s development agenda and expand the network of stakeholders committed to building a stronger, more inclusive and commercially relevant IP ecosystem.
The 7th edition marks an important shift from conversation to implementation. It will focus on how intellectual property can be integrated into Africa’s trade systems, industrial policies, creative industries, innovation ecosystems, investment strategies and enterprise development frameworks. The Summit will also provide an opportunity to take stock of progress on intellectual property within the AfCFTA framework and examine practical pathways for using IP to unlock value across African economies.
Over three days, the Summit will feature high-level policy dialogues, expert panels, technical sessions, innovation showcases, exhibitions, paper presentations, networking opportunities, institutional engagements and recognition of outstanding contributions to intellectual property development in Africa. It will also create space for innovators, creators, entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses to showcase products, services, technologies, creative assets and commercially viable ideas to investors, partners, policymakers and market actors.
The Nairobi edition is expected to attract participation from government institutions, IP offices, law firms, universities, research institutions, creative industry platforms, technology hubs, SMEs, investors, development organisations, regional economic communities, trade institutions and international partners. It will serve as a continental meeting point for those working to ensure that Africa’s intellectual assets are protected, commercialised, valued and connected to trade, industry and investment opportunities.
The Summit Secretariat invites participants, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, researchers, media partners, development institutions, private sector organisations and strategic partners to formally express interest and take part in this landmark continental gathering.
Registration, sponsorship, exhibition and partnership opportunities are now open.
For registration, partnership opportunities, media enquiries or further information, please contact:
Summit Secretariat
All Africa Intellectual Property Summit 2026
Email: africaipsummit@it-rc.org
Telephone: +234 818 038 1825
Website: www.africaipsummit.com