Recognition of agricultural products and textiles as geographical indicators of origin

Geographical indications of origin are gaining recognition and importance in Africa. While Seychelles in the final stages of registered Seychelles honey as a geographical indication of origin, earlier this year, the OAPI granted Guinea’s bid to protect Café Ziama Macenta, a type of coffee grown around Mount Ziama, located in the Guinea Forest region. In the month of October 2025, OAPI has again been busy, having recognised:

1. On 18 October 2025, Benin’s application for the protection of two agricultural products, namely Gari Sohoui, a flour made from cassava grown in Savalou, and Azimi d’Agonlin, a natural nut oil originating from the Agonlin region in Benin.
2. Guinea’s mission to protect pineapples grown in Friguiagbé region, with OAPI conferring protection and recognition of the GI, Baroness de Friguiagbé for pineapples, also known as Baronne Pineapples, on 22 October 2025.

Ghana has, similarly, secured protect of Kente, an iconic handwoven cloth that symbolises Ghanian pride, identity and craftmanship. Consequently, only fabrics that are produced within certified weaving communities can be advertising and promoted as being “authentic Kente”.

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