AfrIPI at the 9th Nigeria-EU Business Forum

On 2 July 2024, Nigerian and European business leaders, policymakers and institutional stakeholders converged in Abuja to identify and explore investment opportunities during the 9th European Union-Nigeria Business Forum, themed ‘Investing in Jobs and a Sustainable Future’.

The Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) project was represented by Deputy Project Leader Carlos Lleo Satorre and Intellectual Property Rights Expert Nancy Samuriwo. During the event, they showcased AfrIPI and the Africa IP SME Helpdesk by networking and exchanging ideas with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They also engaged with entrepreneurs and visitors at the AfrIPI booth, emphasising the benefits of using intellectual property (IP) for protecting innovations and promoting sustainable development.

In addition to participating in the conference and the panel discussions, the AfrIPI team connected with Nigeria’s Patents and Industrial Designs Registry Registrar, Mme Jane Ignoe and their colleagues. They discussed topics such as patents, industrial designs, geographical indications, and how AfrIPI could support their innovation and capacity building project related to patent drafting for stakeholders and patent officers. Mr Lleo Satorre also met with Dr Shafiu Adamu Yauri and the Trade marks Registry of Nigeria team where they discussed AfrIPI's current initiatives to support IP protection and potential collaborations to enhance Nigeria’s IP environment for businesses.

Intellectual property is a key factor in driving innovation and economic growth, and AfrIPI is committed to supporting SMEs and regional IP offices in promoting and protecting IP rights across Africa.