Africa’s creative and innovation economy is growing. It includes music, film, fashion, software and pharmaceuticals. But behind this growth lies a critical issue: intellectual property (IP) protection. For many African innovators, the challenge is not just creating value, but protecting it.

At the same time, Africa’s digital boom, driven by start‑ups, streaming platforms and e‑commerce, has opened new opportunities. Countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are witnessing rapid growth in industries where IP is central to value creation. Why, then, is intellectual property so important for economic growth on the continent?

Channel Africa’s Economics Reporter, Innocent Semosa, has more.