WIPO Contributes to Empowering SMEs through Intellectual Property in African and Arab Regions

October 9, 2023

In an effort to shed light on the pivotal role of Intellectual Property (IP) in bolstering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) across the African and Arab regions, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) co-organized the Interregional Conference on Intellectual Property Perspectives in the SMEs Ecosystem in collaboration with the Moroccan Industrial and Commercial Property Office (OMPIC). The event took place in Casablanca, Morocco, on October 5 and 6, 2023.

This event was joined by participants from Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Sultanate of Oman, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ghana, Niger and Tanzania.

The primary objectives of this significant gathering were twofold: firstly, to provide a platform for underscoring the profound significance of IP for SMEs, and secondly, to facilitate the exchange of IP best practices among SMEs operating within the African and Arab regions. The conference aimed to inspire and encourage SMEs to leverage the IP system to foster, safeguard, and propel their innovations and creations, ultimately ensuring that IP rights are woven into the fabric of their business strategies.

sme-2023-news0027-845 — Mr. Daren Tang, Director General WIPO, during his speech on the occasion of a high-level discussion under the theme "Industrial and Commercial Property at the service of a productive, innovative and inclusive national economy”, Casablanca, Morocco, October 5, 2023.

The first day of the event was marked by the adress of Mr. Daren Tang, Director General WIPO, on the occasion of a high-level discussion under the theme "Industrial and Commercial Property at the service of a productive, innovative and inclusive national economy”. Director General Tang underlined WIPO’s dedication to reaching out to SMEs, women, and the youth through initiatives, such as the Inventor Assistance Program and IP Management Clinics, to benefit even more SMEs and entrepreneurs in Africa and the Arab region, ultimately aiming to unlock greater economic opportunities and prosperity in these areas.

Throughout the two-day conference, attendees engaged in spirited discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, all designed to empower SMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the IP landscape effectively. By fostering an environment of collaboration and learning, the event served as a catalyst for SMEs to harness their creative and innovative potential.

As the event came to a close, many participants expressed their interest to engage in some of the programs presented by WIPO, including Cabo Verde, Niger and Ghana, in order to build effective and sustainable capacity to provide IP support to the business community.

This conference demonstrated that IP is not merely a legal framework but a powerful tool that can empower SMEs, ensuring their contributions to economic growth and sustainable development in the African and Arab regions are fully realized.