More than 7,900 learners from 27 African countries completed the WIPO Academy’s Project 1% for Africa in 2025. The session concluded with a virtual graduation ceremony on December 11, 2025.
Registration is open for the next session of Project 1% for Africa and will close on March 20, 2026. The course is delivered fully online. It is offered in English, French, and Arabic and covers topics relevant to IP in African countries.
Project 1% for Africa is an introductory intellectual property (IP) training initiative delivered by the WIPO Academy in collaboration with local IP experts. During the 2025 session, 4,564 women and 3,343 men participated. Of these, 776 participants qualified for further scholarships to WIPO Academy for advanced courses. Participants enrolled through partnerships with 96 institutions, including tertiary institutions, private companies, government agencies, and WIPO External Offices in Nigeria and Algeria.
What does the course cover?
Participants explored 13 dynamic topics, led by IP experts, business practitioners and professors, covering:
- copyright and related rights in music and content creation
- trademarks, geographical indications, and industrial designs in products and services
- patents in STEM careers
- WIPO administered services for businesses and plant variety protection
- traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and genetic resources
- IP for development and innovation.
What are our participants saying?
The live lecturers made complex terms easy to understand, encouraging active participation and addressing questions promptly. I learned how trademarks protect brand identity and add long-term value by preventing infringement. This course deepened my knowledge of intellectual property, especially trademarks, and boosted my confidence in handling IP matters. I now feel equipped to advise others and would highly recommend this course.
Mr. Wesley Kondowe, Malawi
Each lesson introduced valuable concepts, and the clear structure and examples helped me better understand key IP topics like patents, trademarks, and copyrights. I now feel more confident using this knowledge in real-world situations.
Learning about Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Expressions showed me that IP rights also protect traditional works and community heritage. This inspired me to protect my own creations and help others do the same. I believe more people should know about these rights and understand IP laws.
Ms. Ayomide Aramide, Nigeria
The tutors were of excellent quality, and their interactions were ideal. What made the biggest impression on me during this course was understanding the connection between the intellectual property system and the real-world legal disputes. I recommend this course because it provides comprehensive and clear content in the field of intellectual property and effectively supports the development of legal knowledge and professional skills.
Mr. Safey El Dien Hammad, Egypt