On February 27 and 28, 2025, the Niger Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIN), through its Nigerien Export Promotion Agency (ANIPEX) and in partnership with the National Agency of Intellectual Property (AN2PI), officially launched the Pilot Mentorship Program on Intellectual Property (IP). This initiative, part of ANIPEX’s efforts to establish an IP Desk, was accompanied by a training workshop on integrating IP into business strategies. Thirty-two Nigerien companies participated in the event.
This program is led by WIPO’s IP for Business Division as part of its Effective SME Intermediary Program, with the support of CPCCAF (Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers), and aims to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary tools to protect and leverage their intellectual assets. As part of the opening ceremony, Ms. Sarah Nassar, Associate Program Officer, IP for Business Division, introduced the concept of IP as a key business enabler, while also highlighting the objectives of the program.
The discussions centered on the role of IP in fostering innovation, attracting investment, and driving sustainable growth. By securing intellectual assets, businesses can enhance their market positioning and long-term viability. The mentorship program aims to provide entrepreneurs with personalized guidance, strategic advice, and practical support in leveraging IP to expand their market reach.
The two-day workshop covered key aspects of entrepreneurial development and IP strategy:
Day 1: Focused on business fundamentals, including building strong business models, financial analysis, and utilizing digital tools to enhance market presence. Participants explored tailored strategies for structuring and sustaining their businesses.
Day 2: Delved into intellectual property, featuring case studies and strategies for protecting intangible assets. Entrepreneurs started to develop personalized action plans for managing their IP portfolios, with a special focus on the agribusiness sector.
The workshop addressed the specific challenges faced by agribusiness companies, equipping participants with insights into how IP can safeguard and enhance their operations. A key tool utilized during this training was the WIPO IP Diagnostics for OAPI, an online self-assessment tool that provided businesses with valuable localized insights and recommendations, specially adapted to the legal context of the Member States of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI).
Interactive sessions and case studies facilitated a deeper understanding of IP’s role in business growth. Additionally, the workshop helped CCIN-ANIPEX’s staff refine their advisory services to better support entrepreneurs in their innovation and expansion efforts.
This pilot program marks a significant milestone in promoting IP-driven innovation and business development in Niger. The collaboration between CCIN, ANIPEX, AN2PI, WIPO’s IP for Business Division, and CPCCAF underscores a collective commitment to strengthening the capabilities of Nigerien entrepreneurs and helping them succeed in both local and international markets.