Catalyzing AI’s potential in Africa through intellectual property innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play a transformative role in Africa’s economic and social development, with estimates suggesting it could contribute up to CAD 2.9 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030 through new products, services, and productivity gains. Realizing this potential, however, will depend in part on how effectively intellectual property (IP) frameworks respond to the opportunities and challenges created by AI. Questions around data ownership, compensation for data creators, and rights over AI-generated outputs are becoming increasingly important for policymakers, innovators, and businesses alike.

This project seeks to strengthen the integration of intellectual property law and policy into AI governance across Africa. Although both continental and national AI strategies recognize the importance of IP, significant gaps remain in understanding how existing IP frameworks can enable or constrain AI innovation and adoption. Through research, policy engagement, and stakeholder collaboration, the project will generate evidence and practical guidance to help ensure that IP systems support inclusive, responsible, and development-oriented AI ecosystems.

The initiative will produce policy handbooks, regulatory guides, and IP strategy toolkits, while working directly with policymakers to develop context-sensitive approaches to AI and IP governance. It will also explore how AI can be used within intellectual property offices and examine the role of IP frameworks in shaping the scalability, adoption, and economic value of African AI innovations in sectors such as health, agriculture, and climate. By engaging with institutions including the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), and global forums such as the G20 and G7, the project aims to amplify African perspectives and contribute to the development of fair, effective, and innovation-friendly AI and IP policies worldwide.