Geographical Indication leads to pepper festival
The Representative Group of the Protected Geographical Indication Penja Pepper has announced the first “Penja International Pepper Festival”, to run from 24 to 26 June in Penja, Cameroon. The event will have the theme “Let’s Discover the Authenticity of Penja Pepper” and is intended to highlight the Penja pepper, which is grown in the volcanic soil of the Penja valley. The Penja pepper is now recognised as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in sub-Saharan Africa, with the PGI having been awarded by OAPI in 2013 and later validated by the European Union. The award of PGI status has already enhanced the status of Penja Pepper, with the market price having increased nearly seven-fold since 2008. Penja Pepper cultivation reportedly employs over two thousand people directly, and takes place over a thousand hectares.
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