OAPI and ARIPO: a single voice to shape the future of intellectual property in Africa
WIPO General Assemblies , 2025. OAPI and ARIPO reaffirmed their joint commitment to the development of the continent through intellectual property .
Over a diplomatic luncheon organized in Geneva, the Directors General Denis BOHOUSSOU of OAPI and Bemanya TWEBAZE of ARIPO, accompanied by the Ambassadors Permanent Representatives of their respective Member States, shared a common vision: "Making Intellectual Property a Lever for Economic and Social Transformation for Africa".
Addressing the Heads of Permanent Missions, Mr. BOHOUSSOU highlighted the robust legal framework established by OAPI to support member states in better leveraging their intellectual property. He also emphasized the importance of promoting this framework to foreign investors, while announcing the joint efforts of the two African regional offices to create links between their respective protection systems.
His counterpart, Mr. Twebaze, for his part, advocated for proactive and concerted diplomacy to raise awareness within the international community about the importance of intellectual property in the continent's development. "We are counting on you to carry this message, not only in Geneva, but also in your capitals and on the world stage," he declared.
This synergy was welcomed by Her Excellency Ms. Julia Imene-Chanduru , Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Namibia and Chair of the African Group at WIPO, who encouraged both institutions to continue their collaboration. She shared her conviction that Africa should continue to fully embrace intellectual property in order to be an active participant in the global economy. At the same time, she reaffirmed the support of African diplomatic missions in Geneva for achieving shared development goals.
Loretta ASIEDU , Director of the WIPO Regional Office for Africa, representing Director General Daren TANG , also expressed the Organization's commitment to more productive cooperation with OAPI and ARIPO Member States.
Bringing together 39 African countries, the OAPI and ARIPO zones together represent a major force in strengthening the intellectual property landscape on the continent. Their joint action illustrates Africa's desire to speak with one voice and make intellectual property a pillar of sustainable development.
