Geographical Indications in Africa: Example of Success Stories

Geographical indications (GIs) protection is a relatively recent development in Africa compared to other regions like Europe, where such protections have a longer history. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of GIs in Africa for preserving the unique qualities and reputations of products linked to specific geographic regions. 

ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) is currently developing a legal framework for protecting  GIs for its Member States but does not yet have an operational framework for registering these rights on behalf of its Member States.

OAPI (Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle) has a more developed and operational GI protection system; therefore, it has some noteworthy success stories at this stage. These success stories are discussed below.

As of November 2021, OAPI had registered 6 sui generis GIs – Poivre de Penja, Oku White honey (Cameroon), Café Ziama Macenta (Guinea-Conakry), Ananas du Pain de sucre du Plateau d’Allada-Bénin, Kilichi du Niger, and Oignon Violet de Galmi. 

GI protection in OAPI has significantly benefited local products in the region by enhancing their market value, improving quality control, and boosting economic benefits for local producers. For example, products like Penja Pepper and Oku White Honey from Cameroon have seen substantial price increases and international recognition, which has improved the livelihoods of local farmers and preserved traditional production methods.

In Nigeria, the initiative for a sui generis GI legislation has been ongoing since 2021, and progress is being made in formulating the new legislation. The European Union, in collaboration with IP First Group[1] and Africa International Trade and Commerce Research organised a workshop on Nigeria's adoption. The workshop was conducted under the the theme "Harnessing policy support for GIs in Nigeria - capacity building workshop on GIs for public sector in Nigeria" on April 22, 2021. The workshop laid the groundwork for Nigeria's draft sui generis GI law. 

 The workshop also prompted the formation of a technical Working Group on GIs in Nigeria. Since its establishment, the Working Group has been working on legislation to formalise GI protection in Nigeria. 

Significant progress has been achieved since 2021, with continued modification of the draft law expected to result in the submission of a GI Bill to the Senate upon completion of all inputs by the committee. 

Several online workshops were conducted in 2024 by the Working Group's Research Committee. The Committee’s deliberations revealed some significant topics that will be covered in the GI Bill, including creating and financing a GI office housed within the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investments. 

The above developments constitute a breakthrough and a notable success story for Nigeria, showcasing the country's dedication to safeguarding its distinctive goods through GIs. 

The final establishment of a dedicated GI framework will not only protect local products and boost the economy, but it will also encourage local communities to protect their products on an international scale, paving the way for many Nigerian products to gain recognition and protection in Nigeria and around the world.

[1] This is an IP stakeholder forum aimed at developing and deepening awareness of intellectual property in Nigeria and across Africa.