Built for real, practical impact
Every element of the program is designed to be used immediately in your business — not filed away.
Practical IP skills
Learn to identify, protect and license trademarks, designs and traditional cultural expressions tied to your work.
A year of mentoring
Get matched with an expert mentor for one-on-one guidance by video, phone and email through to February 2028.
Business fundamentals
Build capacity in business planning, marketing, social media and market access alongside your IP training.
A regional network
Connect with women entrepreneurs from Indigenous Peoples and local communities across the African region.
Costs covered
WIPO pays for your travel, accommodation and subsistence for the in-person workshop in Gaborone.
A proven track record
Join a program that has already supported over 160 women entrepreneurs across more than 80 countries since 2019.
Who should apply
This call is for women entrepreneurs who are recognized, active members of Indigenous Peoples or local communities — especially those working alongside other community members in a community-based business rooted in traditional knowledge or traditional cultural expressions.
- ✓ Recognized, active member of an Indigenous or local community
- ✓ Runs or co-runs a community-based business using traditional knowledge or cultural expressions
- ✓ Based in one of the 10 eligible African countries
- ✓ Able to communicate effectively in English
- ✓ Has access to IT equipment and reliable internet for the mentoring phase
Recommended before you apply
A basic understanding of intellectual property will help you get the most from the workshop. Both courses below are free, self-paced and offered by the WIPO Academy.
- i WIPO Primer on IP (DL-001) — a 3-hour introductory course
- i WIPO General Course on IP (DL-101) — builds on the Primer
Open to entrepreneurs in 10 African countries
20 places are available this cycle. Where enough suitable applications are received, WIPO will aim to select at least one participant from each country listed below.
Four dates to know
Applications open
Submit your application through the official WIPO portal before the window closes. Late applications will not be considered.
Selection & notification
20 women entrepreneurs are selected. Successful candidates are notified by email and confirm their commitment to all program phases.
In-person training workshop
A practical, hands-on workshop in Gaborone, Botswana, mixing presentations, case studies and peer exchange.
Mentoring & matchmaking phase
A dedicated mentor supports you by video, phone and email as you apply IP tools directly to your business.
What's covered
Travel
Return travel to the workshop in Gaborone is arranged and paid for by WIPO.
Accommodation
Lodging for the full workshop period is covered for selected participants.
Subsistence
Daily subsistence costs during the in-person training are provided.
Mentoring
A full year of guided, one-on-one mentoring at no cost to you.
Who can apply?
Women entrepreneurs who are recognized, active members of Indigenous Peoples or local communities in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe, particularly those running a community-based business built on traditional knowledge or traditional cultural expressions.
What is the application deadline?
July 12, 2026. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered, so plan to apply early.
Where do I actually submit my application?
On WIPO’s official application portal at surveys.wipo.int — not on this website. Every “Apply” button on this page takes you there directly.
Does WIPO cover my costs?
Yes. WIPO covers travel, accommodation and subsistence for the in-person workshop in Gaborone, Botswana.
Do I need prior IP knowledge?
It helps but isn’t required beforehand. WIPO recommends the free Primer on IP (DL-001) and General Course on IP (DL-101) at welc.wipo.int.
How many places are available?
20 women entrepreneurs will be selected this cycle, with WIPO aiming to include at least one participant from each of the 10 eligible countries where possible.
Your traditional knowledge deserves protection.
Twenty places. Ten countries. One application form. Apply now on WIPO's official portal — it takes about fifteen minutes.
Apply on the Official WIPO Portal →