Counterfeit mobile phones destroyed
In May, Botswana’s Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) destroyed a large quantity of counterfeit and pirated goods, including fake mobile telephones and earbuds. Most of these items were reportedly imported from China, and were valued at several million US dollars in total. Counterfeit products have long found a market across Africa, where high demand for luxury goods often clashes with limited consumer purchasing power and, at times, weak regulatory enforcement. However, this trend may be shifting as more countries begin to strengthen their efforts against counterfeiting.
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

