From June 4 to 7, 2025, the Director General of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), Denis BOHOUSSOU, undertook a working visit to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo. Accompanied by the Director of Patents and Other Technical Creations, Guy Francis BOUSSAFOU, this mission was part of the monitoring of the OAPI Board of Directors' strategic directions and the strengthened dialogue with the national authorities of member states.
An interview with the current Chairman of the Board of Directors (CBD)
The highlight of this visit was a working session held with the Chairman of the Board of Directors of OAPI, Antoine Thomas Nicéphore FYLLA SAINT-EUDES, Congolese Minister of Industrial Development and Private Sector Promotion. Discussions provided an opportunity to review the progress of ongoing projects, particularly the deployment of the Invention and Innovation Financing Mechanism (MEFII). This mechanism aims to support 1,000 innovative project promoters from OAPI member states at various stages of development, whether through technical consolidation or facilitating access to financing.
Institutional meetings with strategic ministerial departments
The Director General was also received by the Minister of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, Mr. Rigobert MABOUNDOU, to discuss the role of OAPI in supporting inventors and researchers, as well as the operationalization of the MEFII.
A third meeting was held with the Minister of State, Minister of Land Affairs and Public Domain, responsible for relations with Parliament, Mr. Pierre Mabiala, in the presence of the Chairman of the Board. The discussion focused on the provision by the Congolese authorities of land intended to house the future Intellectual Property Documentation Center (CDPI). This land has already been identified, and the transfer process is underway.
Increase awareness among stakeholders regarding mastering the patent application process at OAPI
Alongside this mission, a training workshop for members of the Congolese National Liaison Structure (SNL) was held on Friday, June 6th, led by the Director of Patents, to the great satisfaction of the participants. The workshop focused on the application of the new procedure for issuing patents and utility model registration certificates, which came into effect in January 2025. This capacity-building initiative aims to educate Congolese inventors on measures to protect their inventions.
A mission focused on action
This visit to Brazzaville is part of OAPI's ongoing commitment to closer ties with its member states and the effective implementation of strategic decisions adopted by its governing bodies. Through strengthened cooperation with the Congolese authorities, OAPI reaffirms its commitment to stimulating African innovation, contributing to the sector's profitability and encouraging access to technical and documentary resources.
