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 two-day intensive workshop brought together GI stakeholders, potential GI product producers and technical partners to address key issues including the next steps and alternative ways to valorise the products. The creation of a GI group (GR-IG) was formed for the two champion GI products to support the drafting of GI specifications and the adoption of an action plan.

During the seminar, an overview of GIs was presented, covering the methodology for selecting priority GIs, general recommendations, and product sheets for potential GIs such as Abeche onion, chebe powder, Gaoui pottery, dihe (spirulina from Chad), and Kitir (gomme arabique). The participants discussed about collaborating with other partners and follow-up actions to promote their GI products.

In 2024, the OAPI has made significant progress in the protection and promotion of GIs. The support from all stakeholders is essential for fostering the registration of GIs in Chad, which contributes to the development and preservation of these traditions and expertise.

The workshop was organised with the support of the OAPI national liaison office, the Delegation of the European Union to Chad, and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).