The Gambia Leads Strategic Training to Boost Africa’s Patent Innovation

Banjul, The Gambia (June 6, 2025) - The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in its capacity as implementing agency of the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovations in Africa project (AfrIPI), organised a comprehensive “Patent Drafting Training for ARIPO Member States” in The Gambia. The training, co-hosted by the Industrial Property Registration in the Gambia, and with the participation of African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO), empowered research institutions, technology hubs and IP offices to transform innovative ideas into globally protected patents, fostering economic growth and intra-African trade.

The programme, which began with online sessions on IP fundamentals and advanced to hands-on patent drafting, culminated in an in-person workshop from 2 to 6 June. This final session gathered EPO, ARIPO, and EUIPO experts to equip participants with essential patent drafting skills through simulations, group exercises, and role-playing activities that will help the participants when drafting patent applications. The training was designed to ensure African innovations meet global patenting standards and can compete on the international stage.

In a joint statement, EUIPO, EPO, ARIPO, and the Industrial Property Registration Office of The Gambia reaffirmed their commitment to fostering innovation-led development on the continent. The collaboration aims to strengthen institutional capacity, promote technology transfer, and position intellectual property as a strategic driver of sustainable economic growth.