The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)—also known by its French acronym Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine (UEMOA)—has launched the first edition of the Intellectual Property Management Clinic (IPMC) within the UEMOA region. This program is designed to empower the 28 winning startups of the UEMOA Startup Springboard Initiative by helping them strategically integrate intellectual property (IP) into their business operations to maximize its benefits.
A Collaborative Effort for Business Growth
The introductory workshop was officially inaugurated by Mrs. Khady Évelyne Denise Ndiaye, Director of Private Sector at the WAEMU Commission, and Mr. Yves Ngoubeyou, Counsellor at the Africa Division, Department of Cooperation for Development, WIPO. Both speakers acknowledged the crucial role of collaboration between WIPO and WAEMU and encouraged the selected startups to fully leverage the available support and resources.
Comprehensive Mentorship and Training
Over the next five months, the regional and national startup champions will receive one-on-one mentorship from IP and business experts, alongside a comprehensive online training program. The initiative aims to equip them with the IP tools and knowledge necessary to enhance their competitiveness in both national and global markets. At the conclusion of the program, each startup will be provided with a customized IP roadmap, offering tailored recommendations to support their business growth.
Insights from Industry Experts
Attendees benefited from insightful presentations, including one by Ms. Andrea Boké Kpenahi, Business Law Expert and Certified Consultant at the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) in Côte d’Ivoire, who outlined the fundamentals of intellectual property. Additionally, Mr. Issouf Zan, Entrepreneurial Innovation and Intellectual Property Expert from Burkina Faso, introduced the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and the strategic integration of IP within elements of the BMC.
A Step Toward Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The program marks a step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the UEMOA region, providing startups with the strategic tools and mentorship necessary to succeed in the evolving business landscape.