The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger (CCIN), the Nigerien Export Promotion Agency (ANIPEX), and the National Agency for Intellectual Property (AN2PI), proudly concluded the Pilot IP Mentorship Program on Friday, July 4, 2025. The ceremony was held in Niamey under the presidency of Mr. Moussa Sidi Mohamed, President of CCIN, and marked a key milestone in WIPO’s ongoing efforts to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategic use of intellectual property.
Launched in February 2025, the pilot program was part of WIPO’s Effective SME Intermediary Program, designed to strengthen the capacity of local support institutions in guiding entrepreneurs to identify, protect, and leverage their intellectual assets.
Beyond the immediate benefits for participating enterprises, the program was conceived with a long-term vision: to strengthen ANIPEX’s institutional capacity to deliver preliminary IP-for-business support services, while fostering a closer operational partnership with AN2PI—laying the foundation for a cohesive national IP and innovation ecosystem that serves the growth and competitiveness of Nigerien companies.
Over a six-month period, 32 Nigerien enterprises—particularly in the agrifood and artisanal sectors—benefited from tailored training, mentorship, and hands-on tools to integrate IP into their business growth strategies. These sessions aimed not only to equip entrepreneurs with knowledge but to instill a mindset of innovation, creativity, and market competitiveness, supported by the formal protection of their intangible assets.
During the closing ceremony, Mr. Garba Sadou Abdoulaye, Director General of AN2PI and Mr. Abdoul Kader Sidibe, Director General of ANIPEX, both acknowledged the growing awareness among local businesses about the economic value of trademarks, designs, and geographical indications. “These tools are not just legal protections—they are strategic levers that enable our businesses to build trust, increase value, and expand internationally,” they stated.
The success of this pilot reflects the importance of localized, context-sensitive approaches to IP capacity building. Tools such as the WIPO IP Diagnostics for OAPI were deployed to help entrepreneurs self-assess their IP potential and prioritize actionable steps aligned with Niger’s legal framework.