Brazzaville , December 12, 2025 – Under the chairmanship of Mr. Antoine Thomas Nycephore FYLLA De Saint-Eudes , Minister of Industrial Development and Promotion of the Private Sector of the Republic of Congo, the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) held the 65th Ordinary Session of its Board of Directors .
This strategic meeting brought together representatives of member states to examine and adopt key measures aimed at strengthening the dynamics of innovation and intellectual property in Africa.
Major decisions for the future
During this session, several important resolutions were adopted, including:
- The continuation of the program to finance structuring projects based on the valorization of intellectual property, in order to stimulate the competitiveness of African economies .
- Strengthening the financing mechanism for invention and innovation , to support creators and inventors in bringing their projects to fruition.
- The adoption of the budget for the 2026 financial year, guaranteeing the implementation of the Organization's strategic actions.
- The election of Dr Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA , Minister of Trade, Industry and SME Promotion of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, as Chairman of the Board of Directors (PCA) for the 2026 financial year.
- The election of the Minister in charge of industry of the Gabonese Republic, Mr. Lubin NTOUMTOUME , as Vice-President of the Board of Directors (Vice-PCA).
Heading to Abidjan for the 66th Session
The Council members also set the next meeting date: the 66th Ordinary Session will be held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in the first half of December 2026. This will be an opportunity to continue the efforts undertaken to make intellectual property a lever for sustainable and inclusive development on the continent.
We warmly congratulate Dr Souleymane DIARRASSOUBA on this appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors of OAPI;
Our sincere thanks to Mr. Antoine Thomas Nycéphore FYLLA SAINT-EUDES, for his leadership and commitment during his term.
We commend the quality management of the General Manager, Denis BOHOUSSOU , who contributed to guiding the discussions throughout this session;
Thanks to the Administrators of the Member States, partners and experts for the success of the work which opens up promising prospects for the future of the Institution and the development of intellectual property in the OAPI area.
With these conclusions, OAPI reaffirms its commitment to continue fostering an environment conducive to innovation and competitiveness on the continent.
Goodbye Brazzaville, Hello Abidjan!
