WIPO, in cooperation with OAPI organized the IP Weeks with support from FIT/Japan IP Global and Government of the Republic of Benin.
Two Tailored Workshops
The IP Week featured two consecutive two-day workshops designed for distinct target groups: (1) the local business community and their support institutions, and (2) universities and R&D institutions. A total of 58 participants attended the former workshop, while 35 attended the latter, with both workshops including representatives from relevant government ministries and agencies.
The workshops aimed to raise awareness among local entrepreneurs about the various channels for generation, protection, and commercialization of their IP assets as tools for business growth. They also focused on promoting effective technology transfer and sensitizing key stakeholders on the formulation of institutional IP policies for universities, and R&D institutions.
High-Level Participation
The opening ceremony of both workshops was chaired by Ms. Émilie Tibouté, representing the Minister of Industry and Trade, who delivered the keynote address. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the Ministry's strong commitment to a dynamic innovation ecosystem, stating that "intellectual property is now an essential pillar of our industrial and commercial strategy." On behalf of Ms. Alimatou Shadiya Assouman, she praised the fruitful collaboration with WIPO, OAPI, and Japan.
On Behalf of WIPO. Mr. Yves Ngoubeyou welcomed the excellent cooperation between WIPO and the Government of the Republic of Benin. In this regard, he recalled the objectives of the IP Week, an initiative aimed at strengthening awareness and building the capacities of national stakeholders in the field of intellectual property. He also highlighted that the organization of this important event benefits from the financial support of the Government of Japan through Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global). Finally, he recalled that in an increasingly knowledge-based economy, IP rights represent powerful levers for transforming ideas into tangible economic opportunities and emphasized on the strategic role of IP as a key lever for stimulating innovation, enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, promoting the valorization of university research outcomes, and supporting Benin’s economic development, within the framework of international cooperation.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Hisaya Ogasawara, First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Benin, and Ms. Mireille Komo, Jurist and representative of the Director General of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), delivered opening remarks. Mr. Ogasawara highlighted the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in promoting Africa’s sustainable growth, emphasizing its potential to empower SMEs, which are central to job creation and innovation. He also noted that reinvesting profits derived from IP rights into research, development, and new investments helps maintain a continuous cycle of innovation, fostering further economic and intellectual growth.
Strong Engagement and Practical Learning Outcomes
The workshops delivered substantive and practice-oriented sessions tailored to the needs of each target group. Participants engaged actively in discussions, case studies and exchanges with experts, demonstrating a high level of interest in strengthening their use of IP as a strategic business and innovation tool.
Entrepreneurs and SME representatives enhanced their understanding of how to generate, protect and commercialize their IP assets to improve market positioning and competitiveness. Participants from universities and R&D institutions deepened their knowledge of institutional IP management, technology transfer mechanisms and the development of coherent IP policies to facilitate research commercialization.
The key recommendation emerging from the two workshops was to engage with the ministries responsible for SMEs and higher education, together with the IP Office, to develop a roadmap outlining potential areas of collaboration to support SMEs and universities in effectively using the IP system.
They particularly appreciated the practical guidance provided on integrating IP strategies into business models and research frameworks. Many highlighted that the workshops offered concrete tools and actionable insights that could be directly applied in their respective institutions. The positive feedback received from both workshops reflects the strong demand for continued capacity-building in IP in Benin. Participants are expected to apply the knowledge and tools acquired to strengthen innovation, enhance competitiveness and contribute to the sustainable development of the national innovation ecosystem.
Following the two workshops, participants visited Sèmè City, an innovation hub that brings together young Beninese from schoolchildren, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals in a single location, so that they can collaborate closely and contribute to the emergence of innovative projects and solutions intended to resolve the challenges for the country's development. During the visit, participants engaged in discussions with the animators of the innovation Hub and identified several potential areas for collaboration.
Future follow-up activities to the IP Week workshops may include training, mentoring and coaching in IP and branding strategies for SMEs, as well as an activity on IP policies and technology transfer support for universities and research institutions.