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
On 1 March 2026, the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) officially published the 2026 Edition of the Banjul Protocol on Marks, which includes updated implementing regulations, prescribed forms, and official fees. These amendments were adopted by the ARIPO Administrative Coun
Zambia has modernised its intellectual property (IP) framework by implementing the TradeMarks Act No 11 of 2023, which became operational following the signing of Statutory Instrument No 86 of 2025. The announcement was made by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), the authority res
In November 2025, Nigeria officially launched its National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy (NIPPS), marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernise its intellectual property (IP) regime and enhance its role in intra-African trade and innovation.
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.
