AAIPS2025: When Air Connectivity Meets Intellectual Connectivity

African airlines are stepping beyond aviation to power innovation with Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace partnering with the 6th All-Africa Intellectual Property Summit (AAIPS 2025) to ensure innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and businesses from across the continent can converge in Dakar this November to shape Africa’s IP future.

Scheduled for 12–14 November 2025 at C.I.C.A.D, Dakar, the 6th All Africa IP Summit will gather over 500 delegates under the theme: “Building an Inclusive IP Ecosystem for Africa’s Future.” The convening will explore how intellectual property can drive inclusive development, advance regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and boost Africa’s global competitiveness.

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From Kigali to Dakar: Building Momentum

The 5th All Africa IP Summit in Kigali (2024) laid a solid foundation by adopting the Kigali Declaration on IP for Sustainable Development, which called for:

• Africa-centric IP frameworks tailored to the continent’s realities.
• Simplified processes for SMEs and startups.
• Public–private partnerships to strengthen IP systems.
• Greater awareness and education on IP.
• Leveraging digital technologies to modernise IP management.

Ethiopian Airlines was pivotal to the success of AAIP2024 in Kigali, offering discounted fares that enabled broader participation, especially for youth, SMEs, and innovators. Now, in Dakar, Air Peace joins Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner, underscoring that connectivity is a cornerstone of innovation.

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Airlines as Connectors of Ideas

Both carriers are making the Summit more accessible by offering discounted flights and logistical support:

• Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s most connected carrier, continues to break mobility barriers, reinforcing inclusivity.
• Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, is ensuring participation from underrepresented groups—women, youth, and marginalised innovators—by making regional travel more affordable.

“IP is not only about laws and rights—it is about livelihoods, jobs, and Africa’s ability to compete globally. This Summit is Africa’s opportunity to define an IP ecosystem that serves its people and drives its future,” said Sand Mba-Kalu, Chairman of AAIPS 2025 Organising Committee.

With AfCFTA representing a $3.4 trillion market of 1.4 billion people, strong IP systems will be critical for enabling Africa’s innovators to fully benefit from integration.

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The Dakar Summit Focus

The 2025 Summit will highlight IP’s role in:

• Protecting African creativity in music, fashion, software, and film.
• Attracting foreign investment by creating predictable frameworks.
• Facilitating cross-border trade in goods and services.
• Safeguarding indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.

Its core objectives include:

• Facilitating dialogue between governments, IP offices, and businesses.
• Reducing barriers for women, youth, SMEs, and indigenous groups.
• Supporting AfCFTA by harmonising IP policies to drive industrialisation.
• Strengthening innovation ecosystems across science, tech, culture, and the digital economy.

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Exhibition Pavilion and IP Marketplace

A key highlight will be the Exhibition Pavilion and IP Marketplace, showcasing Africa’s innovation and creativity. Exhibitors will include startups, creative industries, IP offices, and law firms.

The Pavilion will:

• Spotlight cutting-edge African innovations.
• Promote cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge.
• Foster networking and investment partnerships.
• Educate participants on IP’s role in economic growth.

This feature transforms the Summit into a commercial springboard for partnerships, licensing, and scaling up innovations.

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Towards Africa’s Economic Renaissance

AAIPS 2025’s partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace underscores the role of African corporates in driving development. Just as aviation connects markets, intellectual property connects ideas to prosperity—together reflecting Africa’s readiness for an economic renaissance powered by innovation.

“As African airlines fly our people across skies, the All Africa IP Summit ensures Africa’s creativity and innovation can fly across markets,” added Mba-Kalu. “With strong IP systems and champions like Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace, Africa’s future is ready for take-off.”

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About the All Africa IP Summit

The All Africa Intellectual Property Summit is the continent’s premier platform for dialogue and engagement on IP and innovation. Since 2020, it has convened governments, businesses, development partners, and creatives to strengthen Africa’s innovation systems.

Media Contact
Ms. Chiamaka Onwuamma, ESQ
Project Management Lead
Organising Committee – All Africa Intellectual Property Summit 2025
📧 africaipsummit@it-rc.org | ☎️ +234 818 038 1825
🌐 africaipsummit.it-rc.org