International colloquium and trade fair on GIs in Africa

The OAPI has made considerable progress in the protection and promotion of GIs. In 2023, 13 GIs were registered in its system. Some of this progress was achieved through the support of the AfrIPI project, which acts as an observer in the GIs Consultative Committee.

From the 17-19 April 2024, AfrIPI will be supporting the organisation of an International Colloquium and Trade Fair on GIs in Africa, to promote GIs in the continent and to take stock of lessons learned on regulatory frameworks and the value chain. The aim is for GI products to become valuable (organisation, follow up, control and marketing).

The event will assemble GI Producers, GI experts, representatives of OAPI Member States and National GI Committees, together with representatives of development organisations such as the French Development Agency, the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development – CIRAD, the Food and Agricultural Organisation – FAO, the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO, the French Patent and Trademark Office – INPI, the European Commission (DG INTPA and DG AGRI), the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization – ARIPO, and representatives of other African countries.