43 arrested for production of counterfeit SIM cards
In conflicting news for proponents of South African advanced manufacturing, youth employment and multi-national cooperation, the Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation Unit recently raided a counterfeit SIM card factory located in a house in Sandton. Once on the scene, it found and arrested either 43 or 45 individuals aged between 17 and 36, including two South African nationals. The factory reportedly used advanced equipment to manufacture and replicate thousands of SIM cards that work with existing cell networks.
Niger accedes to the Marrakesh Treaty
The Republic of Niger, a member state of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), has acceded to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, V...
August 19 2026
OAPI highlights IP’s role in African craft innovation
At the Ninth International Handicrafts Fair of Cameroon (SIARC 2026), held in Yaoundé from 27 July to 5 August, the OAPI showcased the importance of IP protection in promoting innovation and competit...
August 19 2026
Côte d’Ivoire hosts fourth Africa GI training programme
OAPI has launched the fourth edition of the Africa GI Training programme in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, bringing together 18 participants from 13 member states. The programme aims to strengthen experti...
August 19 2026