Morocco retains top position in Africa for intellectual property protection

Friday 20 March 2026 - 14:00

Morocco has once again secured its position as the leading African country in intellectual property (IP) protection for 2026, according to the International Intellectual Property Index compiled by the Global Innovation Policy Center.

Ranked 22nd globally with a score of 59.19 out of 100, Morocco maintains its continental leadership for the fourth consecutive year, far ahead of other African nations. The GIPC report credits this success to a strong system for patent protection, related rights, and adherence to international agreements, including the Singapore Treaty on Trademarks, the Geneva Act, and the Lisbon Agreement.

This achievement reflects Morocco’s political commitment to strengthening the credibility of its legal framework and aligning it with global standards. However, the report highlights ongoing challenges, such as high rates of physical counterfeiting and online piracy, as well as a lack of targeted incentives to promote pharmaceutical innovation, particularly in orphan drugs.

Other African countries rank significantly lower, with Ghana at 38th globally, Kenya at 42nd, followed by South Africa (46th), Nigeria (47th), Egypt (48th), and Algeria (53rd). This underscores the continent’s overall gap in IP protection, a crucial factor for attracting investment and fostering innovation.

Internationally, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Sweden dominate the rankings with scores above 91. Notably, the GIPC notes that none of the top 15 economies improved their scores in 2026, with some European countries even declining, emphasizing the need to reinforce the role of intellectual property in competitiveness and growth.

Morocco’s continued focus on IP protection strengthens its position on the continent while enhancing its appeal to investors. To transform this leadership into a lasting driver of innovation and economic growth, the country must address enforcement gaps and intensify efforts against counterfeiting and piracy.

In short, Morocco leads Africa in intellectual property, but converting this legal advantage into a sustainable engine for innovation and growth remains the key challenge.