OAPI and ARIPO: a same voice to shape the future of intellectual property in Africa
General assemblies of the OMPI , July 11, 2025. The OAPI and the Aripo reaffirmed their common commitment to the development of the continent by intellectual property .
Around a diplomatic lunch organized in Geneva, the Directors General Denis Bohoussou of the OAPI and Bemanya Twebaze of Aripo, accompanied by the ambassadors permanent representatives of their respective member states, shared a common vision: "to make intellectual property, a lever for economic and social transformation for Africa".
Speaking before the managers of permanent missions, Mr. Bohoussou put forward the robust legal environment set up by the OAPI to support the member states in a better valuation of their intellectual assets. He also underlined the importance of promoting this environment with foreign investors, while announcing joint efforts from the two African regional offices, to create bridges between their respective protection systems.
His counterpart Mr. Twebaze has pleaded for a proactive and concerted diplomacy in order to raise awareness of the international community of the importance of intellectual property in the development of the continent. "We are counting on you to carry this message, not only in Geneva, but also in your capitals and on the world stage," he said.
This synergy was welcomed by His Excellency Julia Imene-Chanduru , an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Namibia-president of the African group at the OMPI, who also encouraged the two institutions to continue their collaboration. She shared her conviction that Africa should continue to fully appropriate intellectual property in order to be an active player in the world economy. At the same time, she reaffirmed the support of African diplomatic representations in Geneva to achieve the common development objectives.
Loretta ASIEDU , director of the regional office for Africa of the OMPI, representing the director general Daren Tang , also expressed the commitment of the organization for more productive cooperation with the member states of the OAPI and the Aripo.
Bringing together 39 African countries, the OAPI and Aripo areas represent a force majeure together in the strengthening of the intellectual property landscape on the continent. Their joint action illustrates the will of Africa to speak with one voice and to make intellectual property, a pillar of sustainable development.
