The EUIPO and OAPI launch an intellectual property mentorship programme to empower African SMEs

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in cooperation with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), is reinforcing intellectual property (IP) awareness and promoting its strategic use among African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

A key milestone of this partnership is the launch of an ‘intellectual property mentorship programme’ aimed at empowering SMEs across Africa. The programme highlights the shared vision of the EUIPO and OAPI to enable SMEs in the OAPI region to leverage the full potential of intellectual property as a driver of innovation, sustainable economic growth and long-term development. This initiative is implemented under the EU-funded AfrIPI project.

The pilot phase of the programme was launched in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire in November 2024 and following an initial kick-off webinar, five IP agents were trained by EUIPO experts and committed to mentoring twelve selected SMEs from both countries. The mentorship focused on identifying key IP assets; understanding IP rights and associated risks; exploring branding and licensing opportunities; and delivering tailored IP strategy reports for each selected SME. The mentoring of SMEs for the OAPI region was based on the EUIPO IP-Scan methodology with a staff member of the EUIPO travelling for the three-day training session dedicated to African IP agents.

This initiative has significantly strengthened the cooperation between the EUIPO, OAPI, OAPI National Liaison Structures and IP agents. Moreover, it established the foundation for a robust support ecosystem that empowers business advisers and positions intellectual property as a key driver of SME growth and competitiveness. It also reaffirms the EUIPO’s commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing IP awareness and encouraging cross-border collaboration across the continent.