AfrIPI helps Central African States engage on creating a blueprint to develop IP
From 18 to 20 May 2022, AfrIPI organised a regional workshop on the role of intellectual property (IP) in market integration in Central Africa, and on the strategic relevance of the IP protocol of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The workshop brought together senior officials from member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and aimed to raise awareness on the use of IP in guaranteeing market access, and strengthening the capabilities of the Member States following the negotiations of the second phase of the AfCFTA.
The event was opened by Prof. Claver Pashi, Director of Cabinet of the Minister of Regional Integration and Francophonie of the Democratic Republic of Congo; H.E. Francois Kanimba, ECCAS Commissioner for Common Market, Economic, Monetary and Financial Affairs; Jeremie Belleudy of the EU Delegation to DRC and delegates from ECCAS Member States (Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Sao Tomé and Principe).
In this context, the speakers presented a situational analysis of IP in the different Member States, which led to discussions on strategic priorities for the AfCFTA negotiations and the possibilities of coordinating positions in a complex legislative environment. Accordingly, participants agreed on an IP Road Map for ECCAS which lays the groundwork for strengthening national IP frameworks and building greater synergy across borders. The immediate next steps include creating a sub-working group for IP Policy which will further institutionalise the IP Policy Dialogue that began during the three-day workshop.
Experts from the AfCFTA Secretariat and OAPI also attended the workshop.
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