The Journey of Young African Innovators: Achieving Success Through WIPO’s Intellectual Property Mentorship

WIPO organized “The Empowering Youth in Innovation and Creativity: Training, Mentorship, and Coaching Project”, with support from FIT/Japan IP Global.

The project journal is now publicly available online.

Overview and Closing Event

As a follow-up to the African Regional Youth Conference on Intellectual Property Empowers Young Innovators, held in October 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, WIPO successfully completed a six-month mentoring and coaching initiative for young African entrepreneurs from May to November 2025.

A total of 49 participants from 20 African countries —namely Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda, Zambia—took part in this mentorship and coaching program. The initiative was implemented by Division for Africa in WIPO (DA) with the support of the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global).

The closing event was held virtually on 28 November 2025, bringing together representatives from DA and FIT/Japan IP Global, five mentors from across Africa, and 42 of the cohort of young entrepreneur mentees.

In her closing address, Ms. Loretta Asiedu, Director, Division for Africa highlighted the transformative power of mentorship and the multiplier effect of the project — proving that when we invest in strong, thoughtful mentorship, we create change that is scalable, sustainable, and community-driven.

From FIT/Japan IP Global, Mr. Kunihiko Fushimi, Director & FIT/Japan IP Global fund manager, International Classifications and Standards Division, highlighted how the strategic use of intellectual property (IP) empowers young entrepreneurs and strengthens their role as essential players in the IP ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of this project in unlocking that potential.

At the closing ceremony, the milestones of several outstanding mentees were highlighted, and each other’s efforts were recognized. Many expressed gratitude to DA, their mentors, and the Government of Japan.

Project Background

Building on the success of the Abidjan Regional Conference for Youth Empowerment in 2024 and its follow-up Empowering Women in Agribusiness through IP Mentoring in Africa, this initiative aimed to equip young African innovators with the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive knowledge-based landscape. The conference highlighted the crucial role of African youth in driving innovation while identifying persistent challenges, including limited awareness of IP rights, lack of access to experienced mentors, and insufficient technical and business skills.

To address these gaps, young innovators have been selected to participate in the Training, Coaching, and Mentorship Program. The program has provided targeted guidance on IP management, business development, and market access through interactive workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and peer-learning opportunities.

Tailor-Made Training and Impressive Achievements

This youth-focused initiative offered highly personalized, tailor-made training. Especially, the program expanded its scope by integrating design experts as mentors, supporting participants in areas such as the creation of trademarks and logos, and having a significant effect particularly in the area of trademark registration.

When young entrepreneurs joined the Côte d’Ivoire conference in 2024, most had limited knowledge of intellectual property. Over the next six months, they learned how to use IP strategically in their business models.

Several participants successfully registered industrial property rights, expanded their businesses, and created new jobs. Participants are now expected to promote IP awareness in their countries. Following these achievements, the program’s journal is now available online for the public.