The Africa IP SME Helpdesk supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the European Union (EU) to both protect and enforce their Intellectual Property (IP) rights in/or relating to Africa by providing free information and services. These comprise jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues, as well as training, materials and online resources.
About us
Find more information about the team, partners and the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Helpline
Our Intellectual Property experts provide professional, confidential and tailor-made answers to your IP-related questions within a maximum of 3 working days
IP Resources Library
This library provides open-access IP materials especially designed for EU SMEs doing business in Africa
Contact us
E-mail: africa [dot] iphelpdesk
euipo [dot] europa [dot] eu (africa[dot]iphelpdesk[at]euipo[dot]europa[dot]eu)
Phone Number: Europe (Spain): +34 96 513 9810
Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 to 18:30 (CET/CEST)
Postal address:
European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
Avenida de Europa, 4
03008, Alicante, Spain
Data Protection
Your personal data is processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 2018/1725 on the protection of individuals regarding the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies and on the free movement of such data. For further information, please refer to our privacy notice.
Africa - Latest News
New ‘IP Discover Guide for EU SMEs entering the African Market’ published
The new scheme, established by Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, introduces EU-wide geographical-indication protection for craft and industrial products (CIGIs).
The IP Helpdesk was on site at the WebSummit2025 in Lisbon, to connect with innovators, startups, and ecosystem partners from across Europe and beyond.
EUIPO spotlights IP's role in innovation at EU-Ghana Business Forum, guiding SMEs on protection strategies and boosting EU-Africa business ties.
Discover how South Africa is advancing renewable energy through innovation, patents, and supportive government programs like REIPPPP. Learn how IP rights and global initiatives are empowering inventors and SMEs to drive sustainable growth in the green energy sector.
Ethiopia's food sector powers its economy but faces funding and market challenges. Discover how SMEs can drive growth through smart use of intellectual property—like trademarks, patents, and trade secrets—to boost innovation, secure investment, and expand into global markets.
