KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda is set to host a significant regional seminar aimed at bolstering innovation and intellectual property (IP) education across Africa. The event, organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), will take place at the Protea Hotel in Kampala from May 28-30, 2025.
The seminar is part of WIPO’s global “Empowering Youth to Innovate for a Better Future” initiative, a three-year project launched in 2023. Uganda, alongside Chile, Jordan and Malaysia, was selected for its commitment to developing inclusive innovation ecosystems through education.
The Kampala gathering will bring together educators and IP experts from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and Ghana. They will be joined by science teachers, curriculum developers and education professionals from across Uganda, particularly from the Kampala Metropolitan area.
The training aims to equip educators with practical tools to integrate IP concepts into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning. Global facilitators will lead hands-on sessions and showcase real-world case studies demonstrating how IP can connect classroom learning with marketable innovation.
The core vision is to nurture a new generation of creators who understand how to invent, protect and commercialize their ideas. This interdisciplinary approach promotes critical thinking, creativity and prepares students for participation in a knowledge-driven economy. Early exposure to IP education empowers learners to transform innovative ideas into tangible, protected solutions that contribute to social and economic development.
A consortium of national partners is coordinating the initiative, including the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU) and the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat under the Office of the President. This strategic alliance ensures the program aligns with Uganda’s national development and education priorities.
Uganda reaffirms its position as a leader in advancing educational reform that fuels innovation, empowers youth and drives sustainable economic growth. Integrating IP education into STEM curricula represents a significant shift, preparing Africa’s next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This milestone reflects Uganda’s commitment to investing in youth potential and positions the country as a key player in shaping Africa’s innovation future.
