The Congolese capital, Brazzaville , hosted the opening of the work of the Commission of Experts of the 65th ordinary session of the Board of Directors of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) on December 4, 2025.
This strategic meeting was opened by Nicéphore Antoine Thomas Fylla Saint-Eudes , Minister of Industrial Development and Promotion of the Private Sector of Congo and Chairman of the Board of Directors of OAPI, alongside the Director General, Denis L. Bohoussou .
A warm welcome and a context marked by major advances.
At the opening of the proceedings, the Director-General expressed his gratitude to the host country for its hospitality and the excellent organization of the meeting. He commended the friendly, professional, and collaborative atmosphere that traditionally characterizes the work of the expert committee.
Addressing the experts, he reminded them that they are "the vigilant and critical eyes of OAPI. The essence of your analyses and the relevance of your recommendations form a foundation upon which the strategic directions of our Institution rest."
It was also an opportunity for him to look back on the significant achievements of the year 2025, including:
- The entry into force of Annexes I and II of the Bangui Agreement;
- The 5th edition of the OAPI Brand Awards in Libreville;
- The symposium celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Denis Ekani Academy;
- The launch of the project to empower women through innovation, in partnership with UNFPA.
These initiatives reflect OAPI's desire to stimulate innovation and technological competitiveness in member states, given the transition to the operational phase of the invention and innovation financing mechanism, he added.
A call for a sense of responsibility and cohesion
Speaking in turn, the PCA stressed that this 65th session is taking place in "a context of profound transformation of the intellectual property protection system ".
He also reminded the experts: "You are the wise advisors to the Administrators, the guiding lights that illuminate their decisions; I invite you to play your role fully in the sole interest of our venerable Institution."
Major issues at the heart of studies
The work of this commission focuses on key issues for the future of intellectual property in Africa , including:
- The implementation of the invention and innovation financing mechanism;
- The valorization of Industrial Designs and Models;
- Structuring projects based on IP;
- The consolidation of training and cooperation programs.
These recommendations will help to effectively guide the decisions of the Board of Directors and strengthen the creative and technological competitiveness of the States.
A strategic meeting to prepare ministerial decisions
This Experts session is an important step in the governance of OAPI. Its aim is to formulate recommendations that will guide the decisions of the ministers at the Board of Directors meeting on December 12, 2025. These decisions will shape the future of intellectual property within the OAPI region.
Next meeting: the Council of Ministers
