OAPI championing initiatives for food security in Africa
OAPI brought together over thirty national decision makers and key role players from the agricultural sector at a national workshop held from 4 to 6 November 2024 in N’Djamena, Chad. Aimed at establishing guidelines for the creation, protection and enhancement of new plant varieties in Chad, the workshop was opened by the Chadian Minister of Trade and Industry, Guibolo Fanga Mathieu- OAPI Administrator for Chad with the Director General of OAPI, Denis Bohoussou and Seed Expert and Secretary general of the African Seed Trade Association, Yacouba Diallo.
The Director General of OAPI advised that the organisation “is positioning itself to support member states by mobilising intellectual property tools as an activator of plant innovation”. The workshop is a continuation of the Project for Strengthening and Promotion of the Plant Variety System (PPOV) which focusses on the development of national seed policies within the OAPI region, and to ultimately address the challenge of food security throughout Africa by facilitating easier access to quality seeds.
Côte d’Ivoire advances protection and recognition of its shea butter
Côte d’Ivoire is taking further steps to enhance the recognition and commercial value of its shea butter. On 27 August 2026, the National Committee for Geographical Indications and Collective Marks...
September 15 2026
OAPI rejects AFP opposition against AFO + Logo
In a decision dated 19 May 2026, OAPI rejected Agence France-Presse (AFP)’s opposition against the “AFO + Logo” mark, which was opposed on the basis of AFP’s earlier “AFP + Logo” mark. Alt...
September 15 2026
Historic Registration: Madd de Casamance and Penja Pepper Enter the Lisbon System
On 20 August 2026, Senegal’s Madd from Casamance and Cameroon’s Penja Pepper received their international registration certificates at the headquarters of the World Intellectual Property Organizat...
September 15 2026