Ottawa, October 26, 2026 at CIPO Headquarters – The Director General of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), Denis BOHOUSSOU and the President of theCanadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), Konstantinos GEORGARAS took another step in strengthening relations between their institutions with the signing of the 2026-2027 Annual Work Plan (AWP).
This signing demonstrates the shared commitment of both offices to strengthen their cooperation in strategic areas related to intellectual property and innovation.
Cooperation in the service of innovation development
The new 2026-2027 Work Plan provides for the expansion of joint actions aimed at promoting the exchange of expertise and the sharing of good practices, particularly in the areas of combating counterfeiting ,protecting digital creations and promoting intellectual property.
Through this agreement, OAPI and OPIC reaffirm their commitment to supporting innovators, creators and businesses in an economic environment increasingly marked by digital transformation and innovation.
Launch of the guide "Protecting your IP in the OAPI space"
To mark this bilateral meeting, the guide "Protecting your intellectual property in the OAPI area" was officially launched.
Designed as a practical information and awareness tool, this guide is aimed at innovators, researchers, creators, entrepreneurs, SMEs and project leaders wishing to secure and enhance their intellectual property assets within the 17 member states of OAPI.
It highlights the available protection mechanisms and the advantages of the OAPI system, which provides uniform protection across the entire area covered by the Organization through a single, simplified procedure.
A shared commitment to the promotion of intellectual property
The signing of this Work Plan and the launch of this guide illustrate the convergence of views between OAPI and OPIC regarding the essential role of intellectual property in stimulating innovation, developing businesses and creating value.
By strengthening their cooperation, the two institutions intend to contribute to building an ecosystem more favorable to creativity, business competitiveness and the promotion of creations in their respective territories.
The new dynamic of cooperation thus opens up promising prospects for the actors involved, eager to make intellectual property a real lever for growth and development.
