A landmark patent-drafting workshop aimed at boosting innovation across Africa concluded this week in Banjul as part of a broader effort to strengthen intellectual property expertise on the continent.

Held from 2 to 6 June, the event brought together more than 30 participants from 17 African countries for a week of intensive, hands-on training in patent drafting. 

The workshop marked the final stage of a comprehensive training programme co-organised by the European Patent Office (EPO), the Institute of Professional Representatives before the EPO (epi), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), the Industrial Property Registration Office of The Gambia, and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) through the AfrIPI project.

Launched in February 2025, the initiative enrolled more than 80 participants from research institutions, technology hubs, and IP offices in ARIPO member states. 

The course began with online sessions covering the fundamentals of intellectual property, culminating in the in-person workshop held in Banjul and streamed to remote participants across the region.

Led by experts from the EPO, ARIPO, and EUIPO, the final seminar included group exercises, simulations and role-playing scenarios designed to sharpen patent-drafting skills. 

The goal: to equip African innovators with the practical tools needed to navigate the patent system, protect their inventions, and compete more effectively in the global innovation landscape.

The collaborative programme underscores the shared commitment of the organising bodies to promote technology transfer, economic development and regional integration through stronger intellectual property systems in Africa.

“This initiative is a significant step toward building a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Africa,” said one of the workshop organisers. “By empowering inventors with the skills to protect and commercialise their ideas, we are helping to unlock the continent’s full creative and economic potential.”