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The EUIPO Empowers African Industry to Protect Heritage Products and Boost Economic Prospects

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.

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Seychelles Moves Closer to GI Status for Honey with Technical Support from EUIPO

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.

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From Cameroon to the world: The EUIPO joins in celebrating Penja Pepper

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.

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Geographical Indications (GIs): A Gateway to African Heritage and Prosperity

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.

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New Edition of the Manual for Geographical Indications in Africa

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.

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AfrIPI and OAPI collaborate to protect and promote GIs in Chad

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.

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