The Pan-African
Geographical Indications
information hub

In today’s global marketplace, people are more connected to the origins of the products they consume than ever before. The EUIPO, as a leading international organisation, is committed to supporting the use of Geographical Indications (GIs) to promote the unique characteristics and qualities of products from specific geographical origins. A GI is a sign used on products of a specific geographical origin whose qualities or reputation are directly linked to that location.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) successfully conducted a series of work sessions together with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), and organised in the context of EU-funded and EUIPO-implemented IP cooperation project AfrIPI.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), as the international registration authority responsible for managing craft and industrial geographical indications (GIs) in the European Union, is committed to promoting GI systems globally, particularly in regions like Africa, China, India, and Latin America.

he European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has just published the third edition of the Manual for Geographical Indications in Africa containing updates, produced in the context of the EU-funded IP cooperation Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation project in Africa (AfrIPI), in partnership with the European Commission. It is now available online in Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.

The African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) project, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Mauritius, hosted a two-day workshop on the establishment of a geographical indication (GI) for Mauritius Unrefined Sugars.

The Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) in collaboration with the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), organised a feedback workshop in N’Djamena, Chad from 22-23 July 2024. The workshop focused on a screening study on Geographical Indications (GIs) in Chad which was commissioned by AfrIPI to identify products suitable for the Geographical Indication (GI) path. The study revealed that spirulina (a blue-green algae) from Chad and gomme Arabique (gum Arabic) are the champion products.

The Intellectual Property and Innovation in Africa project (AfrIPI) proudly announces its ongoing support for the African Union's (AU) Continental Strategy for geographical indications (GIs). This strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for African Union Commission members and critical stakeholders to help develop, promote, and protect GIs throughout Africa. This initiative raises awareness on Africa's unique products and empowers its producers.

On 17 April 2024, the Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI) project hosted a thematic dinner on geographical indications (GIs) in Douala, Cameroon, as part of the international colloquium and trade fair on GIs in Africa.

Africa boasts a dazzling array of products, from the rich Harar Yirgacheffe Sidamo coffee of Ethiopia to the intricate Taita baskets of Kenya. But these treasures face a challenge: copycats trying to exploit their reputation. This is where geographical indications (GIs) come in, shielding Africa’s most unique offerings.

From 17 to 19 April 2024 in Douala, Cameroon, the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) is organising an international conference on the development of geographical indications in Africa, to be held as part of the Trade Fair for protected geographical indication (PGI) products on the African continent.