Intellectual Property and Innovation Council

Purpose: Protecting and Advancing Innovation

The Intellectual Property and Innovation Council is guided by legal and innovation expertise from members across Africa’s many legal systems, helping businesses understand and use their intellectual property rights. Technology and licence sharing is central to building industry here. By raising awareness, pressing for faster registration systems and building partnerships with research institutions, the Council helps firms innovate with confidence.

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Our Vision

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

To make Africa a place where entrepreneurs and enterprises can protect their creative assets, and where technology and licences are shared on fair terms to build local industry.

Our Mission

Strengthening IP and Innovation Frameworks

  • Educate Businesses: Raise awareness of patents, trademarks, copyright and other forms of intellectual property.
  • Advocate for Efficient Registration: Press national and regional IP offices for faster systems, and refer businesses to them for registration.
  • Promote R&D Collaboration: Build partnerships between businesses, universities and innovation hubs, and advocate for technology and licence sharing from partner economies.

Expert Committee: Pioneers in IP and Innovation

The Intellectual Property and Innovation Committee includes:

  • IP Attorneys with expertise in patents, trademarks and copyright.
  • Innovation Leaders from start-ups and established enterprises.
  • Academic Researchers focused on commercialising inventions and technologies.
  • Policy Experts specialising in intellectual property law and regulation.
  • Industry Representatives from sectors that rely on innovation, such as technology and media.

Engagement with Authorities: Advocating for Efficient Systems

National-Level Engagement:

  • Collaborate with innovation hubs and incubators to foster a supportive ecosystem for start-ups and IP creators.

Regional-Level Collaboration:

  • Partner with regional IP organisations and national innovation agencies to promote innovation and streamline regional IP initiatives.

Continental-Level Representation:

  • Liaise with national IP offices, the African Union, UNIDO and regional economic communities to support faster approvals and strong protections.
  • Engage with national innovation councils to secure resources and promote collaboration.

Council Convener: Championing Innovation

The Convener for IP and Innovation Advocacy will:

  • Lead awareness campaigns and workshops on intellectual property.
  • Represent businesses in discussions with IP offices and innovation bodies.
  • Drive partnerships between African enterprises and R&D institutions.

Why This Council Matters

  • For Businesses: Safeguards innovations, encourages R&D investment and builds competitive advantage.
  • For Communities: Creates jobs in high-growth, innovation-driven industries.
  • For Africa’s Growth: Helps African firms own and build on technology instead of only importing it.

Innovate and Protect with Confidence

Join the Intellectual Property and Innovation Council to safeguard your business ideas and lead the way in building Africa's innovation ecosystem. Become a Member Today and be part of a movement that turns creativity into lasting impact!

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About

The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.

MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.

Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.

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