The fight against counterfeit goods in Africa has received a major boost following a new partnership between the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The collaboration aims to strengthen regional capacity, coordination and enforcement in protecting intellectual property (IP) rights and curbing the trade of fake products across the continent.
The initiative was officially launched during the opening of the Sub-Regional Seminar on Intellectual Property (IP) Enforcement in Nairobi, bringing together key enforcement agencies and experts from across Africa.
The three-day seminar attracted participants from Ghana, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Kenya, including law enforcement officials, prosecutors, customs officers and IP administrators. The event underscored the shared regional commitment to tackling the growing menace of counterfeiting and illicit trade that threatens innovation, fair markets and consumer safety.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Dr. Robi M. King’a, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, welcomed the delegates and emphasized the importance of joint regional efforts in combating counterfeit trade.
“The fight against counterfeiting transcends borders. No single agency or country can win this battle alone,” said Dr. King’a.
He further highlighted Kenya’s strides in establishing a strong enforcement framework under the Anti-Counterfeit Act, which empowers the ACA to lead the national response against fake goods through inter-agency collaboration and public awareness initiatives.
“Kenya’s enforcement model, anchored in the Anti-Counterfeit Act and a robust multi-agency framework for enforcement and creation of public awareness against trade in counterfeits, reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding innovation, protecting consumers and securing fair markets across Africa,” added Dr. King’a.
Joining the event virtually, Edward Kwakwa, Assistant Director General, Global Challenges and Partnerships Sector at WIPO, commended Kenya and the ACA for their leadership in hosting the regional seminar and advancing IP enforcement across the continent.
“Effective IP enforcement is vital for fair markets, consumer protection, and rewarding innovation,” said Kwakwa.
He reiterated WIPO’s dedication to empowering African enforcement agencies through capacity building and knowledge sharing, particularly as counterfeiters increasingly exploit the digital space.
“WIPO remains committed to supporting African governments through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and digital tools to help enforcement officers address new forms of IP crime in the digital economy,” he added.
Established under the Anti-Counterfeit Act No. 13 of 2008, the ACA serves as Kenya’s lead agency in combating the manufacture, sale and distribution of counterfeit products. The Authority operates under the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, working closely with both local and international partners to promote innovation, fair competition and consumer protection.
In his remarks, Ambassador Matsuura Hiroshi of Japan reaffirmed his country’s strong partnership with WIPO and Kenya in advancing intellectual property enforcement and supporting innovation-led growth in Africa.
“Japan believes that innovation flourishes where creativity is respected and protected,” said Ambassador Matsuura.
“Our continued support through the Japan Patent Office reflects our belief that strong IP systems drive industrial competitiveness, fair trade and sustainable economic growth.”
Japan’s collaboration through the Japan Patent Office (JPO) has been instrumental in advancing WIPO’s Building Respect for IP Program, a global initiative aimed at promoting understanding of IP rights and enhancing the enforcement capacity of national agencies, particularly in developing regions like Africa.
According to WIPO, the Sub-Regional Seminar is designed not only to enhance enforcement skills but also to build stronger networks among African IP enforcement officers to enable coordinated cross-border operations.
Counterfeiting has become a major global concern, costing governments and businesses billions in lost revenue while endangering consumers’ health and safety. In Africa, the issue is compounded by porous borders, limited awareness, and the rise of e-commerce platforms that counterfeiters exploit to distribute fake goods.
Through this renewed partnership, Kenya and its regional partners aim to establish a more unified and proactive response to these challenges.
The Nairobi seminar, supported by WIPO’s Building Respect for IP Program and the Japan Patent Office, marks a significant step in consolidating Africa’s fight against counterfeit products. It reinforces Kenya’s role as a regional leader in IP enforcement and a champion of fair trade and innovation.
As the three-day event progresses, delegates are expected to develop actionable strategies and frameworks for joint operations, digital surveillance, and consumer education campaigns to curb the circulation of counterfeit goods in African markets.
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