The African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is taking a further step in its commitment to regional economic development. In partnership with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) through the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfriPI) , OAPI is launching an innovative mentoring program to strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs in its member states. This initiative, launched on November 14, 2024, with an informational webinar for intellectual property experts from its member states, aims to support SMEs in the strategic use of intellectual property as an asset that can significantly impact their economic and commercial expansion. The pilot phase of the project is being conducted for SMEs and intellectual property experts in Cameroon and Côte d'Ivoire. Equipped with preliminary intellectual property diagnostic tools (IP SCAN), they will be able to make tailored proposals to these SMEs regarding identified intellectual property assets or other data collected within their organizations. In the medium term, the project aims to expand to all of its member states. The importance of implementing such an initiative further reinforces the role of OAPI as an institution resolutely committed to the economic development of its member states.
