2026 Africa Intellectual Property Day (AIPD) My IP Story: Call for African Entrepreneurs, Businesses and Innovators
The 2026 Africa Intellectual Property Day (AIPD) “My IP Story” initiative invites African entrepreneurs, innovators, creators, institutions, and business owners to share how intellectual property rights have helped them create value and grow. Held under the theme “Growing Business Under The AfCFTA IP Ecosystem,” participants are invited to submit a video detailing their intellectual property journeys.
Overview
The 2026 Africa Intellectual Property Day (AIPD) “My IP Story” initiative seeks to recognise and highlight compelling stories from African individuals and entities that have successfully leveraged intellectual property (IP) to build a business, strengthen an initiative, protect an innovation, or create commercial value. Operating under the theme “Growing Business Under The AfCFTA IP Ecosystem,” the programme invites participants to explain their IP journey through a short video.
Participants are required to connect their personal entrepreneurial experiences with the broader theme of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) intellectual property rights ecosystem.
Eligibility
The initiative is open to African individuals and entities that have leveraged intellectual property to grow their businesses or develop initiatives relying on intellectual property rights (IPR).
Participation types include:
- Individual
- Institution
Benefits
Selected participants gain a platform to showcase their intellectual property journeys, demonstrate the practical benefits and value creation derived from their IP rights, and explore how an AfCFTA intellectual property rights system can enhance their future business development.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official online submission form and upload a video file that adheres to the technical and content requirements.
Video Requirements:
- Maximum duration of five minutes.
- Maximum file size of 1 GB (one supported video file upload).
- Must be clearly labelled.
- Must be presented in one of the African Union (AU) languages.
- Must clearly mention the title and/or author of any song or voice used in the video.
Required Video Content Points:
- State your full name and country of origin.
- Explain how intellectual property has helped with value creation.
- Identify the specific intellectual property right used.
- Explain how beneficial the intellectual property has been so far.
- Discuss awareness of the AfCFTA and explain how the AfCFTA IPR system could enhance your business.
Form Information Needed:
- Email address, full name, and country of origin.
- Type of submission (Individual or Institution).
- Short description of the business or initiative.
- Video file upload.
Deadline
The official submission deadline is 31 August 2026.