The AI and Intellectual Property in Africa (AIPA 2026) Co-Creation Workshop is a two-day event bringing together researchers, innovators, legal professionals, policymakers and community stakeholders to examine the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), intellectual property (IP), data governance and inclusive innovation in Africa.

As AI technologies create new opportunities for research, entrepreneurship and commercialisation, they also raise important questions about ownership, copyright, licensing, data rights and the protection of community interests. Addressing these challenges is essential to developing responsible AI solutions that reflect African contexts, support local innovation and deliver meaningful benefits to communities.

Organised by York University and Addis Ababa University, the workshop will combine expert perspectives, case-based discussions, interactive sessions and collaborative activities to help participants identify key challenges and co-create research priorities, policy recommendations and practical strategies for community-oriented AI innovation.

Workshop Themes

The workshop will explore the following areas:

• Copyright, Patents and Licensing: Examining intellectual property frameworks and their application to AI development and innovation.
• Ownership of AI Models, Data and Outputs: Exploring questions of ownership and rights relating to AI systems, training data and generated outputs.
• Local Languages and Low-Resource AI: Considering approaches to AI development that address linguistic diversity and resource constraints across African contexts.
• Data Sovereignty and Community Interests: Examining data governance, community rights and the interests of people whose knowledge and data contribute to AI innovation.
• Responsible Adaptation and Commercialisation: Exploring how AI technologies can be adapted and commercialised responsibly while accounting for intellectual property and community interests.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

The workshop aims to:

• Identify practical challenges at the intersection of AI, intellectual property, data and society in Africa.
• Develop research priorities to inform policy and responsible AI governance.
• Co-create practical strategies for inclusive, community-oriented AI innovation.
• Encourage collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, legal professionals and community advocates.
• Support broader regional and international engagement on AI and intellectual property in African contexts.

Who Should Apply?

The workshop welcomes applications from:

• AI researchers and developers.
• Entrepreneurs and technology innovators.
• Intellectual property and legal professionals.
• Policymakers and public-sector representatives.
• Community advocates.
• Researchers working on AI governance, data rights and innovation policy.
• Other professionals engaged in responsible AI governance.

The workshop particularly welcomes participants from across Africa while encouraging broader regional and international collaboration.

Participation Support

Selected participants will receive support covering:

• Airfare.
• Accommodation.
• Meals.
• Airport transfers.

Event Details

• Date: 7–8 December 2026
• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Format: In-person, two-day co-creation workshop
• Application deadline: 31 October 2026
• Organisers: York University and Addis Ababa University

Application

Interested candidates should complete the application form by 31 October 2026.

Click HERE to apply.