Technical support for the development of the legal framework for GIs in OAPI countries

Outcome 2 of the action plan of the Continental Strategy on Geographical Indications aims to create an enabling environment at the legal and institutional level for Geographical Indications (GIs) in African countries.

While an efficient system of protection is available at the level of the OAPI countries, the mandatory creation of National Committees for GIs tasked with the examination of the GI applications, is not always enforced in all OAPI Member State’s jurisdictions.

As a result of this activity, interested stakeholders will take ownership in the creation of national committees for GIs and/or upgrade the well-functioning of their already existing national committees with a view to improve their capacities to register GIs in the region.

Since the creation and development of national committees is a regalian activity it has been decided to leave room for states to rather discuss this activity during a regional webinar that will be organised in 2023.