Intellectual property experts and other stakeholders in the sector across African countries are to converge in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, in efforts to position intellectual property as a major driver of trade, industrialisation and creative economy growth across the continent.

The organisers of the summit, themed “Mainstreaming Intellectual Property for Africa’s Trade, Industrial and Creative Economy Transformation,” said the gathering will convene policymakers, intellectual property experts, innovators, entrepreneurs, legal practitioners, academics, investors, development partners and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond towards positioning intellectual property as a strategic economic asset.

According to the organising committee chairman, Sand Mba-Kalu, the summit is expected to focus on how intellectual property can be integrated into Africa’s trade systems, industrial policies, innovation ecosystems and creative industries under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The organisers stressed that the gathering has evolved into one of Africa’s leading platforms for shaping policy conversations around intellectual property, innovation and enterprise competitiveness.

They added that since its inception, the summit has addressed issues ranging from intellectual property protection and innovation challenges to the role of IP in sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.

The 2026 edition is expected to shift attention from policy conversations to practical implementation strategies aimed at unlocking commercial value from Africa’s intellectual assets.

Organisers said the 7th edition of the summit would examine pathways for strengthening technology transfer, enterprise development, regional cooperation and investment opportunities linked to intellectual property.

The three-day event, scheduled from November 11 to 13, 2026, will feature policy dialogues, expert panel discussions, technical sessions, exhibitions, innovation showcases, research presentations and networking engagements.

It will also provide opportunities for innovators, creators, researchers and businesses to showcase technologies, products and creative works to investors, policymakers and market stakeholders.

Participation is expected from government agencies, intellectual property offices, universities, law firms, research institutions, technology hubs, SMEs, development organisations, regional economic communities and international partners.

The Summit Secretariat said registration, exhibition and partnership opportunities for the event have opened, while stakeholders across sectors have been invited to participate in the continental gathering.