Research project The Cross-border Enforcement of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights in Africa

Africa is looking to harness intellectual property (IP) rights to promote inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, and thereby minimize the ‘economic gap’ between it and the rest of the world. Indeed, the newly adopted IP Protocol to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) maps out a development-oriented IP framework tailored to Africa’s economic and social priorities. At the same time, the cross-border aspects of IP enforcement in Africa have been neglected, even though they are essential as the continent transitions to a single continental market. This project aims to fill this doctrinal gap.

In light of Africa’s tremendous potential for development and growth in the coming years, a well-functioning system for the cross-border enforcement of IP rights in Africa is not only crucial for Africa’s development goals but also the rest of the world. A robust legal framework for the cross-border enforcement of IP rights aligns with the objectives of the EU-Africa Partnership Agreement to promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development.