ARIPO & The Banjul Protocol Amendments: Practical Guide For Brand Owners Expanding Into Africa

What Every Brand Owner Expanding into Africa Needs to Know

Africa is becoming an increasingly important market for global brands. With a combined GDP of more than USD 3 trillion, a fast-growing urban middle class, and stronger regional trade driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the continent offers significant opportunities for business expansion.

However, trademark protection has not always kept pace with this growth. Until recently, securing and managing trademark rights across Africa could be complex, creating challenges for businesses looking to protect their brands as they expand into new markets.

That is now changing rapidly. On March 01, 2026, the amended Banjul Protocol on Marks under the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) came into force, introducing the most significant reforms to ARIPO’s trademark system in decades. For businesses, brand owners, and advisors with interests in the ARIPO region, these changes are more than