AfrIPI supports the registration of geographical indications in the African Intellectual Property Organization

The AfrIPI project, in collaboration with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), organised a workshop on the geographical indication Ylang-Ylang des Comores on 15 September 2023 in Moroni.

This workshop, supported by the European Union Delegation in Comoros, the AFIDEV project (Support for export sectors and rural development in the Union of the Comoros), and the OAPI National Liaison Office, was honoured by the presence of the Secretary General of the Comoros’ Ministry of Agriculture.

As part of the implementation process for the registration of the Comoros’ Ylang-Ylang geographical indication (GI) and its effective long-term use, activities were carried out to provide guidance on drafting specifications for GIs and to present the results of a prospective study by the AfrIPI project. These analyses are intended to support the action plan for future GI applications for registration.

By the end of the workshop, the stakeholders reached a consensus on issues crucial to the success of the GI, including the choice of name, the group that will defend the GI, and the institutional and technical support that will be needed for the registration and smooth operation of the Ylang-Ylang des Comores GI.

The Union of the Comoros produces an Ylang-Ylang essential oil of exceptional quality. The excellence of this oil has made the Comoros famous worldwide. It is essential to the local economy that the GI is protected both nationally and internationally.