SANi Patents are driving significant growth in African patent filings

During the first quarter of 2026, SANi combination patents drove more than 100 Nigerian patents per month.

The SANi combination patent is the best patent option for Africa. Let’s compare it to ARIPO and OAPI patents:

African GDP covered by a SANi patent

The SANi combination patent covers 44% of sub-Sahara African GDP – greater than ARIPO (all designated countries) and OAPI patents combined, and similar to Turkey / Switzerland.

African population covered by a SANi patent

The SANi combination patent covers a population of 284 million – more than an OAPI patent, but less than an ARIPO patent (all designated States).

Countries covered by a SANi patent

The SANi combination patent covers South Africa and Nigeria – the economic powerhouses of Africa. South Africa is the major presence in Southern Africa, whereas Nigeria is the dominant economy in West Africa.

Grant of a SANi patent

SANi combination patents are quick and easy, resulting in the issuance of:

• a South African patent certificate within 9 months of filing; and
• a Nigerian patent certificate within 3-4 months of filing.

Since neither South Africa nor Nigeria conducts substantive examination of patents, the total cost of a SANi combination patent is fixed.

How to file a SANi patent

Either file a SANi patent through S&Z (i.e. email instruction) for $875 (filing to grant) or through the GlobalIPCo online filing system.

Renewal of a SANi patent

The best option is to pre-pay all renewals for the entire 20-year patent term for only $875. This significantly reduces the lifetime cost of the SANi patent. Alternatively SANi combination patent renewals can be paid annually at a cost of approximately $134 / yr.