Call For Applications: Africa Intellectual Property Day (AIPD) 2026 “My IP Story” for African Entrepreneurs, Businesses and Innovators

Applications are open for “My IP Story” , an Africa Intellectual Property Day 2026 initiative inviting African entrepreneurs, businesses and innovators to share how intellectual property (IP) has contributed to their businesses, innovations, creativity and growth. The initiative provides an opportunity for African innovators and entrepreneurs to tell their stories and highlight the role of patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs and other intellectual property rights in protecting and creating value from their ideas.

Intellectual property is increasingly being recognised as a strategic business asset for African startups and SMEs. WIPO has highlighted how IP protection can help businesses strengthen their competitive advantage, attract investment and create opportunities for commercialisation.

Who Can Participate? The opportunity is designed for: African entrepreneurs Small and growing businesses Innovators and inventors Startup founders Creators and creative businesses Researchers and technology developers Businesses that have used intellectual property to protect or grow their ideas.

If your business has a story about how IP helped you protect an innovation, build a brand, commercialise an idea or expand into new markets , this initiative may be relevant to you. What Is “My IP Story”?

“My IP Story” gives African businesses and innovators an opportunity to share their experiences with intellectual property. Stories can highlight how IP has helped with areas such as: Protecting an invention or innovation Registering a trademark or brand Protecting creative works Commercialising research Building a stronger business identity Attracting investors or partners Entering new markets Creating jobs and economic opportunities.

WIPO has documented several examples of African entrepreneurs using trademarks and other IP rights to strengthen their brands and reach new markets. Why Should Entrepreneurs Participate?

Many entrepreneurs focus on developing their products and finding customers but overlook the intellectual property behind their businesses. A strong IP strategy can help a business protect its unique assets and create additional commercial opportunities.

WIPO’s recent engagement with African startups has also emphasised the importance of IP in building commercially sustainable and investment-ready businesses. Participating in My IP Story is therefore an opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial journey while contributing to greater awareness of the role of intellectual property in Africa’s innovation ecosystem.

What Should Your Story Cover? Applicants should prepare a clear story explaining their experience with intellectual property.

You may want to discuss: Your business or innovation – What do you create or offer? The IP involved – What intellectual property do you own or use?

The challenge – What made IP important to your business? The impact – How has IP helped your business?

Your journey – What have you learned about protecting and commercialising your ideas? Keep your story clear, authentic and focused on your real experience.

About Africa’s Growing IP Ecosystem Intellectual property is becoming an increasingly important part of Africa’s entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. In 2026, WIPO opened its first external office in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nigeria, with a mandate that includes supporting innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, creators and small businesses.

The organisation has also been working with African startups to help them integrate IP into their commercial strategies and make better decisions about protecting their innovations.