A step closer to protection: West Nile shea butter
During March 2026, the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) hosted a consultative forum with shea butter producers hailing from the West Nile region, including Gulu, Lango and Teso.
The purpose of the meeting was to align various shea butter producers on the registration of the West Nile shea butter as a geographical indication and provide information on how the designation aims to promote the local economy. In addition, the URSB highlighted the requirements for protection to move the registration process forward.
Find out more about the USRB’s lengthy process in obtaining protection for the West Nile shea butter as a geographical indication here.
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

