African Newspage (www.AfricanNewspage.net) is the Official Media Partner of the 5th Africa IP Summit, which is being organized by the African Intellectual Property Centre (Africa IP Centre), a subsidiary of the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC). The Summit will explore the crucial role of IP in driving innovation and economic growth in recognition of the significance of protecting and utilizing IP rights in driving inclusive integration and promoting Africa’s socioeconomic development.

This year’s All Africa IP Summit will unite stakeholders from diverse sectors and backgrounds to brainstorm on strategies for addressing crucial challenges plaguing Africa’s IPR ecosystem by proffering actionable solutions to the continent’s IPR-related challenges that will ensure IP works for Africa and Africans as well as exploring the role of the IPR ecosystem in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.

To this end, the 2024 Africa IP Summit offers a platform for thought-provoking discussions, strategic collaborations, and actionable solutions aimed at promoting innovation and creativity in Africa’s IP ecosystem. The Summit will explore a wide range of topics relevant to enhancing Africa’s IPR ecosystem, namely IP protection and enforcement, technology transfer, innovation ecosystems, legal and regulatory frameworks, and the role of intellectual property in driving inclusive economic development.

“The Summit will offer a diverse range of sessions, from presentations to panel discussions and pitchathon for innovative ideas and projects to networking sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with industry experts, exchange best practices, and discover innovative approaches to tackle crucial intellectual property (IP) issues facing the continent. We are confident this exceptional learning and growth opportunity will motivate you and provide you with the necessary tools to bring change in your respective fields,” said Sand Mba-Kalu, Chair of the 5th Africa IP Summit Organising Committee.

Mr Mba-Kalu said the 5th Africa IP Summit promises to be more than just a conference, rather “an inclusive and dynamic platform that aims to shape the future of intellectual property in Africa. Together, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation, prosperity, and sustainable development on the continent. We invite everyone to join us on this important journey as we collaborate to build a brighter and more prosperous future for Africa.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Africa IP Centre has strived to strengthen the institutional capacity of stakeholders in Africa’s IP system as well as advocating for African governments to formulate and implement sound IP policies that will ensure IP works for Africans and Africa. To this end, the IP Centre has been hosting intellectual property rights (IPRs) dialogues and townhall-styled, end-of-the-year All Africa IP Summits to bring together Africans and friends of Africa to discuss pathways to improve the IP system in Africa. 

Previous Africa IP Centre summits/conferences attracted over 1000 participants from across the continent and beyond, namely Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. Others were Uganda, France, United States, Namibia, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, Gambia, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Russia, Tunisia, Senegal, Ethiopia, Togo, Norway, Benin, Lesotho, among others.

The 5th Africa IP Summit seeks to raise awareness about the role of intellectual property in fostering innovation and Africa’s economic development; Foster dialogue on key issues and challenges related to IP protection, enforcement, and commercialization in Africa; Promote collaboration and networking among policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and practitioners in Africa’s IP ecosystem; as well as increase general awareness about IP among Africa’s private sector stakeholders.

The Summit also seeks to contribute to ongoing negotiations on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement’s (AfCFTA) Protocol on IP Rights; Foster dialogue on achieving seamless operation among Africa’s existing IPRs regimes, namely the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and the Pan African Intellectual Property Organization (PAIPO).

The IP Summit’s sub-themes include Fostering Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through Patent Protection (SDG 9); Promoting Economic Growth and Decent Work through Trademark Protection; How can IP work for Africa? What can we do differently to drive change in Africa? (SDG1- 3&6); and Protecting Geographical Indications to Enhance the Economic Viability of Traditional Products. Others are Supporting the Protection of Industrial Designs to encourage creativity and innovation; Advocating and Promoting Inclusive IP Policies that Foster a Diverse and Equitable Innovation Ecosystem; as well as Digital Innovation: Copyright’s Role in Promoting Technological Advancement.

Are you interested in attending the 5th Annual Africa IP Summit in Kigali, Rwanda? Register here NOW!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Newspage.

Africa’s energy industry is on a positive growth trajectory as hydrocarbon discoveries open up new plays, the energy transition drives investment in low-carbon and renewable energy and escalating demand in both global and African markets attracts fresh investment in infrastructure and distribution. Regulatory reform continues to entice investment continent-wide while national development goals create new opportunities for project development and high returns.

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference will connect energy, technology and service companies with African energy projects, providing a platform for deals to be signed and partnerships forged. As the largest event of its kind in Africa, the event takes place under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030 and drives a new wave of investment across the entire African energy sector and its value chain.

For more information about AEW: Invest in African Energy’s 2024 speaker lineup, visit https://apo-opa.co/4deICAN.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Despite the growing potential of Africa’s oil and gas basins, much of these reserves remain undeveloped, leading to a renewed focus by governments to create competitive exploration opportunities. Up to 11 licensing rounds are expected to be launched in sub-Saharan Africa between 2024 and 2025 while the continent’s natural gas sector is undergoing an $800-billion, 20-year upstream capital expenditure program. At the same time, Africa is set to have a green hydrogen production capacity exceeding 50 million tons by 2035. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, oil, gas and green hydrogen companies will provide insight into ongoing projects. Speakers include:

Adriano Mongini, CEO, Azule Energy
Effiong Okon, Director: New Energy, Seplat Energy
Ezekiel Adesina, Head Strategy and Planning, Nigeria LNG
Gadibolae Dihlabi, Managing Director, LPG Association of South Africa
Jerome Namaseb, CEO, Daures Green Hydrogen Village
Katrina Fisher, Lead Country Manager/Managing Director, ExxonMobil
Kevin Rodrigues, Managing Director/Head of Europe, bp Ventures
Philip Birch, Exploration Director, Impact Oil&Gas
Rahul Dhir, CEO, Tullow Oil
Yachtze Luchin, CEO/President, Unite Oil&Gas International

As Africa’s project pipeline grows, the need for innovative technology and infrastructure solutions becomes increasingly more important. Efforts to enhance operational efficiency while reducing emissions have highlighted new opportunities for collaboration, underscoring the wealth of opportunity available for technology and service providers. Meanwhile, Africa’s energy demand is projected to triple by 2040, emphasizing the need for modernized distribution and logistics systems. During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, speakers will delve into strategies for strengthening energy projects in Africa. These include: 

Babajide Agunbiade, CEO, Alpha Energy Resources
Cesare Canevese, CEO, Dietsmann
Manoj Sinha, Co-Founder and CEO, Husk Power Systems
Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group
Said Nachet, Director of International Relations, IFP Energies Nouvelles

There is still time to register your participation at the biggest energy event in Africa. Visit www.AECWeek.com or contact register@aecweek.com to secure your place at this highly-anticipated event.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, the Acting ECOWAS Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, His Excellency Francis Chuks NJOAGUANI, received in audience in Ouagadougou His Excellency Dietrich BECKER, the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Questions relating to cooperation between ECOWAS and the Federal Republic of Germany, notably through the GIZ, collaboration with the European Union, the decision to withdraw the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from ECOWAS, irregular migration of young people from the region to Europe, and the ECOWAS single currency, among others, were on the agenda.

On the question of the withdrawal of ESA countries from ECOWAS, the Resident Representative reiterated the Community’s efforts to bring about a positive outcome to the situation, notably the recent appointment by the region’s Heads of State of three mediators at the highest level, to initiate dialogue with the ESA countries.

The German Ambassador noted that he had perceived a note of pragmatism in the communiqué of the first Summit of ESA Heads of State and hoped that it would be a good starting point for collaboration between the ESA and ECOWAS. He reiterated his country’s readiness to continue supporting ECOWAS in its efforts to achieve regional integration.

The two personalities were delighted with the fruitful exchanges, which enabled them to take stock of current issues and thus strengthen cooperative relations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).