Researchers and Stakeholders Unite to Advance Innovation in Africa Through Text and Data Mining

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping research and innovation, the ability to analyze vast amounts of data is proving to be a game-changer, and Africa is taking important steps to harness its potential.

To ensure institutions across the continent are equipped to leverage these opportunities fully, a workshop was held from February 26 to 28, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, that brought together researchers, academics, and industry stakeholders such as librarians and publishers to explore the potential of text and data mining (TDM). The event was hosted by Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) and organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UFHB, and the Bureau Ivoirien du Droit d’Auteur (BURIDA).

Unlocking New Frontiers in Research and Innovation

Scientific research is a driving force behind innovation, and TDM is a critical tool in extracting valuable insights from large data sets. This workshop aimed to raise awareness of TDM’s benefits and build institutional capacities for its effective implementation.

Yves Christian N’Goran, an assistant librarian at the National Library of Côte d’Ivoire, emphasized the workshop's significance, saying: “This workshop helped us position ourselves in terms of research support. It will guide us on how we can better assist researchers.”

Yves Christian N’Goran (photo: WIPO/Mahari).

The workshop featured expert-led presentations covering both technical and legal aspects of TDM. Participants discussed data access, and explored data collection and mining methodologies. Additionally, the workshop addressed key legal considerations, including copyright.

Estelle Monney Assoko, a legal specialist in charge of data protection at the Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications (ARTCI), underscored the workshop’s relevance. She highlighted the growing intersection between legal frameworks and digital research methodologies.

Estelle Monney Assoko (photo: WIPO/Mahari).

Over the coming weeks, a small group of researchers will carry out a project designed during the workshop to put TDM techniques into practice. The results will be documented in case studies, which will serve as the foundation for the next step of the project, the development of training materials.

“I must say I came away from the workshop feeling enriched,” said Guillaume N’Guetta, a researcher and educator at UFHB. “I learned that TDM is a powerful tool that allows us to analyze relevant data, enhancing our research and increasing our scientific output.”

Guillaume N’Guetta (photo: WIPO/Mahari).

A Continental Initiative

This workshop is the first of a three-part series designed to foster TDM knowledge and application across different African institutions. Developed as part of a broader project carried out under the direction of the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP), the initiative contributes to advancing WIPO’s Development Agenda. Following the Abidjan event, subsequent workshops are planned in Ghana and Egypt, each tailored to the specific needs of their respective host universities. The initiative recognizes that knowledge and application of TDM vary across disciplines and institutions, necessitating a localized approach to training.