The auditorium of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) vibrated this Thursday, September 11 during the solemn opening of the international conference marking the 20th anniversary of the Denis EKANI Academy of Intellectual Property (APIDE).
This continental-scale event simultaneously celebrates:
The opening ceremony, chaired by Professor Virginie YANPELDA , Technical Advisor representing the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education of Cameroon, brought together leading personalities:
- Representatives of international partner offices (EUIPO, JPO, CNIPA, OMPIC, CEIPI)
- The representative of the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization
- Your Excellency, Ambassador of Japan accredited to Cameroon
- Ambassadors and Consuls of OAPI Member States
- World-renowned international and national experts
- Alumni of the Master's Program in Intellectual Property
In his welcoming address, Dr. Denis BOHOUSSOU , Director General of OAPI, highlighted the remarkable transformation of the institution: “Twenty years after its creation, the OAPI Academy stands today as a true center of excellence in intellectual property training, a leading skills incubator and a powerful vector of transformation for our Member States.”
APIDE is currently based on:
- Strategic partnerships with renowned universities (University of Yaoundé II SOA, Thomas SANKARA University, National Polytechnic Institute of Yamoussoukro)
- A diversified training offer including the professional master's degree in patent engineering, the certificate of aptitude for collective management, and African training on geographical indications
- Continental and international influence recognized by global partner institutions
- Hundreds of trained professionals – lawyers, engineers, economists and decision-makers.
A Strategic Issue for Africa
The representative of the Minister of Higher Education recalled the crucial importance of APIDE's mission of empowering human resources: "In the modern economy, the training of highly qualified human resources in the field of intellectual property constitutes the sine qua non condition to enable our countries to fully benefit from the fruits of their creativity and innovation."
This two-day conference (September 11-12, 2025) aims to answer the strategic questions:
- How to massively and qualitatively develop human resources in intellectual property?
- How to strengthen the impact of intellectual property in public development policies?
- How can we make APIDE an even more strategic player in the training of African talent?
A Living Legacy
The Academy proudly bears the name of Mr. Denis EKANI , an emblematic figure and great builder of OAPI who wisely presided over the destiny of the Organization for nearly two decades.
September 13 of this year is marked by a triple celebration:
- The 20th anniversary of the Denis EKANI Academy – a leading intellectual property training institution;
- The 26th African Technology and Intellectual Property Day, established by the African Union (AU), formerly the Organization of African Unity (OAU);
- The 63rd anniversary of the creation of OAPI.
