Geneva (Switzerland), July 7, 2026 – The delegation of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), led by its Director General, Mr. Denis BOHOUSSOU, is participating in the 68th session of the Assemblies of Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which is being held from July 7 to 15, 2026 in Geneva.
This major annual gathering for global intellectual property governance brings together representatives of the member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), intergovernmental organizations, intellectual property offices, and numerous international and regional partners. It provides a key forum for reviewing the progress of the Organization's activities, discussing emerging issues, and defining the strategic directions that will shape the future of the global intellectual property system.
Through its participation in these Assemblies, OAPI reaffirms its commitment to strengthened international cooperation in service of its 17 member states. The Organization intends to actively contribute to discussions on the major challenges related to innovation, creativity, technology transfer, and sustainable economic development.
Alongside its statutory work, the OAPI delegation is holding numerous bilateral meetings with intellectual property offices, international organizations, and technical and financial partners based in Geneva. These exchanges aim to strengthen existing partnerships, explore new opportunities for cooperation, and promote the Organization's priorities in a constantly evolving international environment.
First day – Signing of a new work plan with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office
Among the highlights of this participation is the signing of the 2026-2027 Work Plan between OAPI and the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM).
Initialed by the Director General of OAPI and the Director of OEPM, this agreement reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to pursue and strengthen their cooperation. It focuses particularly on supporting the development of intellectual property strategies and strengthening Spanish language skills in Equatorial Guinea, an OAPI member state.
Day Two – OAPI advocates for more efficient innovation ecosystems
Another highlight of this session was the intervention of the Director General on Wednesday, July 8.
In his statement, he reaffirmed the Organization's commitment to working, with the support of WIPO and its partners, to establish efficient innovation ecosystems capable of supporting the creation, protection, enhancement and exploitation of intellectual property assets in OAPI member states.
This vision is in line with the Organization's desire to make intellectual property a strategic instrument serving economic transformation, business competitiveness, research, technological innovation and sustainable development in the OAPI area.
Through its positions and cooperative actions, OAPI continues to promote an approach to intellectual property rights based on value creation, support for innovators and the development of more knowledge-based economies.
Throughout WIPOGA 2026, OAPI will share highlights of its participation, bilateral meetings, and key developments resulting from discussions with its international partners.
