In a region rich with cultural diversity, traditional craftsmanship, and biodiversity, Geographical Indications (GIs) are fast emerging as a game-changer for local development. Over the past four years, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in the context of the EU-funded project Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI), has played a pivotal role in building the GI system across Africa.
In a milestone achievement for cultural heritage and economic development, Mauritius’ distinctive unrefined sugar has secured national Geographical Indication (GI) protection in December 2024. This achievement, supported by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) through its AfrIPI project, allows for the recognition of the unique qualities of sugar rooted in Mauritius’ terroir, traditions and artisanal know-how.
Ghana is making progress towards securing a geographical indication (GI) for its shea, distinguishing it as a unique product linked to its origin while enhancing economic opportunities. On 4 July 2025, EUIPO under the framework of its cooperation project AfrIPI, organised a workshop that brought together key stakeholders, including producers, policymakers and experts. The workshop discussed the findings from a prospective study guiding the GI application.
As global demand for high-quality, traceable honey grows, Africa’s honey sector is gaining recognition for its rarity and untapped potential. In a strategic move to capitalise on this trend, the Seychelles is pursuing Geographical Indication (GI) status for its honey—a step that will distinguish its product globally, protect its heritage and empower local beekeepers.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has played a pivotal role in elevating one of Africa’s finest spices: ‘Penja Pepper’ to global recognition. Through technical assistance and institutional cooperation provided via the EU-funded Intellectual Property Rights and Innovation in Africa project (AfrIPI), the EUIPO was instrumental in achieving its registration as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in the European Union.
The EUIPO, in the context of the EU-funded international cooperation project AfrIPI, organised a landmark side event on ‘Development and Cooperation on GIs in the African Context’ at the FAO Headquarters in Rome on 20 February 2025, led by the EUIPO and hosted in cooperation with the FAO.
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.