WIPO and Rwanda Host Conference to Strengthen IP Skills Among African Women Innovators in STEM

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), partnering with the Government of Rwanda and supported by the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global), organized the “Empowering Women in STEM: Pitch & Protect – Boosting Innovation through Intellectual Property Management Skills” conference held in Kigali, Rwanda, from March 17 to 19, 2026.

This conference brought together 43 women innovators and entrepreneurs from Rwanda and ten other African countries. Its primary objective was to strengthen the strategic use of intellectual property (IP) as a catalyst for innovation, business growth, and enhanced market competitiveness.

The event focused on empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to unlock their full innovative potential. As Ms. Loretta Asiedu, Director of WIPO’s Division for Africa, emphasized, “Women in STEM are not only contributors to innovation ecosystems, they are catalysts for inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. Equipping women innovators with the tools to protect and manage their intellectual assets is essential to ensuring that their ideas can move from concept to impact, and from local solutions to scalable enterprises.”

Throughout the conference, high-level discussions underscored the urgent need to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance the role of IP institutions, and address structural barriers that limit women’s participation in STEM fields. The program combined technical sessions, interactive workshops, and mentoring activities designed to translate IP knowledge into practical application.

Key topics covered included identifying protectable intellectual assets, refining business models, and developing investment-ready pitches. A standout feature was the “Pitch & Protect” component, where participants worked directly on their own projects to apply these concepts.

Dr. Wanjiru Kigathi, CEO of SautiLume in Kenya, reflected on the impact of the conference: “This conference has transformed how I view my work, not just as an innovation, but as an asset that can be protected, scaled, and brought to market. I now feel equipped to take my ideas to the next level.”

The conference also incorporated real-world case studies and peer exchanges, demonstrating how strategic IP use can enhance competitiveness, support business expansion, and attract investment.

Building on the success of the Kigali event, WIPO and its partners plan to continue advancing targeted support for women in STEM through ongoing training, mentorship programs, and policy engagement.

This conference represents a significant milestone in empowering women innovators to effectively “pitch, protect, and scale” their ideas, thereby driving sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.