The 18th edition of the WIPO Joint Master’s Program in Intellectual Property (MIP) at Africa University successfully concluded on June 6, 2026. This program is organized in cooperation with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) with the support of the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global).
The graduating cohort of the 18th edition comprised 29 participants from 15 countries with 12 participants having received scholarships from FIT/Japan IP Global. The 12-month program comprised three semesters which included distance learning, residential and research phases. The comprehensive MIP curriculum covered new and emerging issues in the area of IP such as AI and its legal, ethical and societal implications as well as examined practical case studies about the role of patents, trademarks, designs and geographical indications (GIs) for sustainable development.
The program drew on the expertise of a diverse group of specialists who enriched its curriculum. Mr. Shoichi Okuyama, Patent Attorney, Okuyama & Sasajima, Tokyo, brought valuable real-world perspectives on the intricacies of patent drafting. The program also benefited from the contributions of Professor Amos Saurombe, Departmental Chair, College of Law at UNISA, Dr. Fernando Dos Santos, Law Lecturer, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Dr. McLean Sibanda, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovation Hub South Africa, Johannesburg, Ms. Dora Makwinja, Copyright Administrator and Executive Director, Copyright of Malawi, Liongwe, and Dr. Marisella Ouma, Deputy Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney General, Kenya.
Armed with their enhanced knowledge and skills, the class of 2026 is expected to emerge as key advocates for the use, awareness and protection of IP across Africa.
About the MIP Program
The MIP program was jointly established by WIPO, ARIPO and Africa University in 2008 to benefit participants from the African region. It was designed to meet the significant demand for IP expertise by empowering students and young professionals with the knowledge and technical skills needed in the region.
This MIP program combines distance learning, classroom instruction, and practical training at ARIPO. In particular, the practical skills training at ARIPO is a key hallmark of the program, ensuring that upon graduation, participants possess sufficient practical skills required in universities, government, and industry. The MIP at Africa University is WIPO’s longest-running Joint Master’s Degree Program in the African region.