Premier online learning platform, SNA IP Academy, has successfully organised a ground-breaking hybrid seminar for young entrepreneurs, creatives and startups across three West African countries.
The specialised intellectual property (IP) education organisation held its maiden event in Ghana, Nigeria and The Gambia to mark the Academy’s official launch.
The Academy is a social initiative of SN Anku IP Firm, aimed at equipping the next generation of innovators with essential IP knowledge to protect their intellectual property, leverage it for commercial success and understand the support available when their IP rights are infringed.
The hybrid seminar featured in-person sessions in each country, with participants connected through the power of technology for shared learning and knowledge exchange.
This format showcased the global vision of SNA IP Academy to democratise IP education and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across Africa. Through comprehensive courses and expert-led training, the Academy addresses the dynamic needs of today’s business landscape – empowering participants with practical, accessible and engaging education.
Speaking about the Academy’s vision at the Ghana seminar, Sarah Norkor Anku, Managing Attorney-SN Anku IP Firm, highlighted the organisation’s belief that robust intellectual property knowledge is the cornerstone of sustainable business growth and innovation.
This hybrid seminar, she said, is a testament of its commitment to demystifying IP for young African entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators, providing them with the tools needed to protect their creations, gain a competitive edge and drive commercial success.
“Our Academy is designed to inspire innovation, empower entrepreneurs and contribute to the economic development of Africa.
“Africa is home to the fastest-growing ecosystem of entrepreneurs and innovators across various sectors. They are a dynamic force poised to catalyse economic transformation through their work.
Our role is to empower them with the knowledge and tools to do so through the courses we offer at the academy, which are available on demand anywhere, anytime, coupled with our expert services in all areas of IP to power their dreams and aspirations,” she concluded.
The seminar provided tailored insights on how creatives can safeguard their work – from copyrights to trademarks – and effectively monetise their artistic creations.
Head of Gambian Office, Yusupha Jallow said: “Our specialised courses, such as IP management and patent drafting, are crafted to equip young entrepreneurs and creatives with necessary skills to navigate the complex IP landscape. This hybrid seminar is just the beginning of many initiatives aimed at empowering Africa’s future business leaders”.
Participants’ standpoint
Emmanuel Okoro, an entrepreneur and participant from the Nigerian cohort, shared his excitement about the webinar with the firm’s Head-Nigerian office, Onyinyechukwu Mary Magdalene Okeyea Dotsey.
He said: “Attending the SNA IP Academy hybrid seminar was incredibly enlightening. I learned so much about the importance of protecting my intellectual property and how to leverage it to grow my business. The practical advice and resources provided have already made a significant impact on my approach to innovation and entrepreneurship”.
Special guest speakers and contributors to the event included William Akwetey Bonsu, Ghana’s Copyright Administrator; Makeba Boateng Utip from Fashion Forum Africa; as well as senior representatives from the Gambian Registrar-General’s Office and Copyrights Office of Nigeria.
SNA IP Academy’s multi-country hybrid seminar is a significant step toward creating a robust ecosystem for IP education and support in Africa. The Academy, through its affiliation with SN Anku IP Firm, is poised to become a leading force in fostering innovation, protecting creative works and driving economic progress across the continent.
The Academy is accessible to all and offers a range of courses designed to meet the needs of participants from diverse backgrounds.
SN Anku IP Firm is a leading intellectual property law firm committed to providing top-tier IP solutions, including patent drafting, trademark searches and IP management. The firm supports businesses in safeguarding their innovations and achieving commercial success.
