WIPO, in collaboration with OAPI and the Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, organized the second edition of the Heads of IP Offices Conference (OAPI-HIPOC) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from June 4 to 5, 2026, with support from FIT/Japan IP Global.
Conference overview
The Heads of IP Offices Conference (OAPI-HIPOC) was held in Abidjan, organized by WIPO in cooperation with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and the Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, with support from the Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global). The Conference brought together Heads of Intellectual Property Offices and senior representatives from across OAPI member States and serves as a strategic forum designed to foster direct engagement on intellectual property policy priorities, regional cooperation, and capacity building.
The theme of this year’s Conference was “Intellectual Property and Youth Entrepreneurship: How to Build an Inclusive Innovative Ecosystem.” The Conference offered the opportunity to review the progress achieved since HIPOC 2024 (Yaoundé). The discussions aimed to identify practical mechanisms leveraging the intellectual property system to foster an enabling environment for innovative entrepreneurship among African youth and to promote more inclusive innovation ecosystems across the region.
Jointly supported by WIPO and OAPI, the Conference provided a platform for strengthening collaboration and advancing shared strategic approaches aligned with the priorities of OAPI member States. It also facilitated broader global-level dialogue on intellectual property, particularly in the areas of capacity building and harmonization, with WIPO contributing as a constructive partner in strengthening the international IP ecosystem.
High-level engagement and Thematic discussions
Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, participated as Guest of Honour in the opening ceremony alongside Mr. Denis Bohoussou, Director General of OAPI, and H.E. Ms. Françoise Remarck, Minister of Culture and Francophonie, representing the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. In his remarks, he underscored the importance of aligning IP systems with the realities faced by young innovators and entrepreneurs.
On the margins of the Conference, Mr. Tang also held a high-level dialogue with Heads of Intellectual Property Offices, providing an opportunity for strategic exchanges on regional priorities and institutional challenges.
The opening ceremony also featured remarks by Son Excellence Monsieur Junji GOMAKUBO, Ambassador of Japan to Côte d’Ivoire, who underscored the importance of international cooperation in supporting innovation and capacity building in the field of intellectual property.
The Conference programme focused on strengthening the link between intellectual property, youth entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystems in Africa. Sessions began with discussions on Youth Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities in Africa, followed by Intellectual Property as a Support for Entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of IP systems in enabling business creation and innovation.
Further discussions addressed simplified and inclusive access to the IP system for young people, emphasizing how improved accessibility can support startups and youth-led initiatives. Attention was also given to digital and frugal innovation, with participants exploring mechanisms to transform the ingenuity of young Africans into sustainable and scalable solutions.
A series of roundtables examined key issues such as building collaborative innovation ecosystems, improving access to financing for innovators, and transforming ideas into bankable assets. Participants also reviewed the OAPI Invention and Innovation Funding Mechanism, discussing ways to enhance its accessibility for young entrepreneurs.
Across the Conference, participants highlighted the importance of strengthening inclusive innovation ecosystems, improving financing opportunities, and reinforcing the role of intellectual property in supporting youth- and women-led innovation.
Participants welcomed the quality of discussions and practical exchanges throughout the event and expressed a strong commitment to follow-up initiatives aimed at supporting Heads of IP Offices in fulfilling their mandates more effectively. Member States also reaffirmed their intention to strengthen regional IP frameworks, enhance digital infrastructure, and further promote inclusive, innovation-driven development.