The MIPLG Career Development and Mentorship Scheme (CDMS) is a flagship initiative designed to nurture emerging talent and deepen professional capacity in Intellectual Property (IP) and Competition Law across developing countries. Launched in February 2020, the Scheme provides an enriching platform where students, university graduates, young professionals and IP enthusiasts receive structured guidance from seasoned practitioners in the field.
What began as a focused annual activity has evolved into a robust ecosystem of learning, mentorship and professional growth. Now in its sixth edition, MIPLG CDMS has successfully mentored over 200 mentees with the dedicated support of leading experts drawn from various parts of the world. The Scheme has grown into a dynamic community committed to reshaping the future of IP and Competition Law by creating informed, confident and globally aware professionals.
Running over a four-week period, each cohort engages in intensive learning, personalized mentorship interactions, and career-shaping conversations. By the end of the program, mentees — guided closely by their mentors — are able to identify a clear, purposeful career direction within the diverse landscape of Intellectual Property.
Beyond individual development, MIPLG CDMS contributes to a larger mission: strengthening the culture of IP education, expanding professional networks across Africa and beyond, and promoting a new generation of experts who will advance innovation, creativity and fair competition in their communities. The success of the Scheme continues to be propelled by the goodwill, collaboration and support of the broader IP community, ensuring that each edition accommodates more aspiring professionals and amplifies its transformative impact.
Cindy Moshatane South Africa
I am grateful for this transformative mentorship initiative that is empowering African talent. The programme offered me invaluable guidance, exposure, personal and professional growth.
Echeme Robert Nigeria
My mentor was very intentional with our weekly meetings. Every session was thought-provoking. I was encouraged to think about my long-term career goals and participate in present activities to meet those identified goals. I am grateful to my mentor and to MIPLG for facilitating this initiative.
Mmegbuanaeze Mmesoma Nigeria
A 10/10 experience! This is the first virtual internship I have encountered with a personalized mentor- mentee structure. I am grateful to learn from my mentor’s personal journey on how to develop my career.
Raphael Ogwuche Nigeria
CDMS was exceptional. It was my first virtual mentorship experience. The structure of the scheme and topic outline were well-thought out. My mentor was intentional at our sessions to ensure her mentees were impacted and inspired. MIPLG CDMS ensured that the mentorship was not only an experience but that we became experienced!
Nana Yaa Asantewaa Asare Ghana
Being mentored on MIPLG CDMS was an incredible experience. I gained valuable insights on the importance of personal and professional branding. This mentorship deepened my understanding of how to stand out in the legal profession.
Osaguona Imuetinyan Faith Nigeria
My mentorship experience with My Intellectual Property Law Guide (MIPLG) was nothing short of amazing! The sessions were flexible, rich, and deeply insightful. Special thanks to my mentor who was patient, warm, and engaging. She made complex IP topics feel like friendly conversations. I’d choose MIPLG again!
Shadrach Loveday Nigeria
The MIPLG-CDMS programme was a truly transformative experience that deepened my knowledge of Intellectual Property Law and AI Governance, and their relevance to modern legal practice. It provided valuable insights, practical learning, and impactful mentorship that sharpened my professional focus. I sincerely appreciate my mentor and the CDMS team.
Faithful Chifamba Zimbabwe
I always thought that my love for intellectual property law and fitness could not co-exist. Through the mentorship program, I learnt that I can find the intersection and create my niche.
CHUKWUBUIKEM I. OBIANYO
CDMS COORDINATOR
Lecturer, University on the Nigeria
Partner, H5 Partners
ATER SOLOMON VENDAGA
ASSISTANT COORDINATOR
Lawyer
FIKAYO OBADOFIN
MEMBER
Tech and Startup Lawyer
Senior State Counsel, International Law Division,
Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice (Kenya)
IDOWU TEMITAYO BLESSING
MEMBER
Lawyer
