WIPO IP+ Accelerator Program for SMEs in The Gambia

PROJECT TITLE: IP+ Accelerator Program

Organization: WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROJECT (WIPO)

TIMELINE : APRIL 2024 TO DECEMBER 2024

Place: Banjul, The Gambia

Role: Lead Consultant

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in partnership with The Gambia's Ministry of Justice and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), is launching the IP+ Accelerator Program to empower 50 women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This six-month initiative addresses critical gaps in intellectual property (IP) awareness and utilization, providing participants with the tools to protect their innovations, enhance competitiveness, and access new markets. By combining practical IP education with business development support, the program aims to transform how women entrepreneurs leverage intellectual property for growth. The initiative reflects WIPO's commitment to gender-inclusive economic development in Africa while supporting The Gambia's national priorities for SME growth and innovation.

The program features a comprehensive curriculum covering trademarks, patents, and utility models, delivered through interactive workshops and hands-on training with the Deeds and Companies Registry. Participants will learn to navigate IP registration processes, develop commercialization strategies, and integrate IP protections into their business models. Alongside technical IP training, the program offers personalized mentorship from industry experts, covering essential business skills including financial management, marketing, and leadership development. This dual focus ensures participants gain both the legal knowledge to protect their innovations and the business acumen to capitalize on them effectively.

The IP+ Accelerator emphasis on real-world implementation. WIPO and GCCI will provide direct support for trademark filings and help participants develop customized IP strategies for their businesses. The program also facilitates connections to regional trade networks and potential investors, creating tangible opportunities for growth. With targets including a 50% increase in IP registrations among participants and measurable improvements in export readiness, the initiative is designed to deliver concrete results that strengthen both individual businesses and The Gambia's broader innovation ecosystem.

The IP+ Accelerator represents a strategic investment in building a sustainable culture of IP utilization among women entrepreneurs in The Gambia. By equipping participants with valuable skills and networks, the program aims to create a ripple effect that will inspire broader adoption of IP-driven business models across the region. The collaboration between WIPO, the Gambian government, and private sector partners ensures the initiative is grounded in local needs while benefiting from international expertise. As these women-led SMEs grow and succeed, they will serve as powerful examples of how intellectual property can drive economic empowerment and national development.