The African Organisation for Intellectual Property (OAPI) demonstrated how traditional artisans can leverage intellectual property tools to protect and commercialize their crafts at Cameroon's premier handicrafts exhibition. The organization emphasized the strategic role of IP frameworks in transforming traditional knowledge into economic opportunities while maintaining cultural authenticity.

OAPI rejected Agence France-Presse's opposition against the "AFO + Logo" mark, finding that similarities between the signs were insufficient to create a likelihood of confusion despite overlapping service classes. The decision provides insight into OAPI's approach to trademark opposition and remains subject to appeal.

Cape Verde's new Intellectual Property Code introduces a significant change to trade mark registration validity periods, shifting the calculation from grant date to filing date. Trade mark owners must now adapt their renewal monitoring practices to align with this updated 10-year term framework.

The African Organisation of Intellectual Property (OAPI) has initiated its fourth Africa GI Training programme in Abidjan, bringing together participants from 13 member states to develop expertise in geographical indications. This capacity-building initiative combines theoretical learning with practical application to strengthen the protection and promotion of local products across the continent. The programme represents a strategic effort to leverage geographical indications as instruments for economic dev

Côte d'Ivoire has adopted technical documentation for SHEATROU, a new label for "Shea Butter from Côte d'Ivoire," marking a significant step in protecting and commercializing this valuable agricultural product. The initiative leverages geographical indications and intellectual property mechanisms to strengthen market positioning while supporting local producers. This development reflects a broader African trend of using origin-based protection to create commercial value for products with strong te

Egypt is exploring a dedicated investment fund for biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health technologies, while South Africa strengthens cooperation between tax and consumer authorities to combat illicit goods and positions itself in the global electric mobility and battery value chains. These developments highlight strategic initiatives across African nations to advance healthcare innovation, regulatory enforcement, and sustainable technology sectors.

The North African powerhouse offered one of the clearest country case studies of how fintech, AI, telecoms and cloud services are beginning to reinforce one another. Klivvr launched an interactive AI-powered assistant for fintech users, making AI visible at the consumer financial services level.

Eight Ghanaian research-industry partnerships have been awarded €2 million in grants to advance vaccine and pharmaceutical R&D, including malaria treatments and AI-assisted antibody discovery. The PharmaVax Ghana programme aims to translate research into locally manufactured health products, with IP protection and technology transfer playing key roles in commercializing innovations for Ghana and regional markets.

The Kenya Industrial Property Institute has introduced a digital transformation in intellectual property services by launching an online filing system. This new platform enables applicants to electronically file patents, industrial designs, and utility models while processing payments through a streamlined digital interface. The modernization initiative represents a significant step toward improving efficiency and accessibility in Kenya's IP administration.

Namibia's Business and Intellectual Property Authority has restructured its fee payment system for intellectual property applications, consolidating multiple fees into a single upfront payment. The amendments affect trade marks, patents, and industrial designs, requiring applicants to pay more at the time of filing while maintaining the same total official costs. These regulatory changes represent a significant shift in how IP filing fees are administered in Namibia.

The Republic of Niger has taken a significant step in intellectual property law by acceding to the Marrakesh Treaty, joining other African Intellectual Property Organization member states in this commitment. This development will enable improved access to published works for persons with print disabilities through the creation and international exchange of accessible format copies.

A Nigerian Federal High Court has ruled on a high-stakes copyright dispute over the globally acclaimed gospel song "Way Maker," examining whether a music producer's technical contributions to a recording constitute co-authorship. The judgment clarifies the critical distinction between creative authorship and production services in determining copyright ownership. This decision carries significant implications for how the music industry documents and allocates rights between artists and technical contributor

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Copyright Commission have formed a strategic partnership to tackle the growing intersection between organised crime, drug trafficking, and intellectual property violations. This collaboration marks a significant shift in recognising copyright piracy as part of broader criminal networks threatening Nigeria's creative economy.

The Court of Appeal in Lagos has ruled on a significant regulatory dispute between the Copyright Society of Nigeria and the Nigerian Copyright Commission, addressing the enforceability of interim relief when underlying regulatory approvals have lapsed. The judgment clarifies the legal boundaries for collective management organisations operating without valid regulatory status and the Commission's authority to take action in such circumstances.

African nations are advancing agricultural innovation and biotechnology through targeted training programmes and strategic investments. From plant breeding capacity development across 10 countries to Egypt's exploration of a dedicated biotech investment fund, the continent is positioning itself to address food security and healthcare challenges through scientific advancement.

South Africa's Portfolio Committee on Health has begun detailed deliberations on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, with illicit trade and the distinction between combustible and non-combustible products emerging as central concerns. The Committee is considering amendments to address enforcement capabilities and regulatory gaps that could undermine public health objectives.

Senegal's Madd from Casamance and Cameroon's Penja Pepper have achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first geographical indications from the OAPI region to receive international registration under the Lisbon System. This development opens new pathways for protecting and commercially leveraging Africa's distinctive regional products in international trade.

The African Organisation for Intellectual Property (OAPI) engaged in strategic discussions during the 2026 WIPO General Assemblies in Geneva, focusing on strengthening international cooperation and promoting innovation across member states. These high-level meetings culminated in the signing of a bilateral work plan with Morocco's industrial property office, marking a significant step in expanding IP-driven economic development partnerships across the Francophone African region.

South Africa is positioning itself as a key player in the global electric mobility and battery value chains through strategic support for locally developed technologies and intellectual property. Can government-backed research partnerships and mineral resources be successfully converted into competitive industrial applications? The collaboration between academic institutions and industry demonstrates a model for technology commercialisation in the energy-storage sector.

The World Intellectual Property Organization and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization convened their annual Regional Technology and Innovation Support Centre Network Meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, bringing together stakeholders to discuss the strategic role of patent information in driving research, technology transfer, and industrial development across the ARIPO region. The meeting emphasized strengthening national innovation ecosystems and supporting the commercialization of technological