Mr. Denis L. BOHOUSSOU – General Manager
"It is time for Africa to resolutely put invention and technological innovation, as well as their application, at the service of economic and social development, and thus find answers to the many challenges it still faces. These include health, food, industrialization, job creation and wealth generation."
Denis Loukou BOHOUSSOU has headed the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) since August 1, 2017.
After an initial five-year term, he was reappointed in August 2022. He is currently serving his second five-year term at the helm of this strategic intergovernmental institution.
Before assuming the role of Director General of OAPI, Mr. BOHOUSSOU built extensive experience in the fields of intellectual property and economic development in Côte d'Ivoire. His previous positions included:
- Director General of the Ivorian Intellectual Property Office (OIPI);
- Director of Private Sector Development at the Ministry of Industry and Private Sector Development;
- Chairman of the Technical Investment Commission (CTI) of Ivory Coast, a position he held for several years;
- Deputy Director of the National Centre for Legal Documentation (CNDJ).
Holding a Doctorate in Law obtained in 1993 from the University of Montpellier I (France), Mr. Bohoussou shares his expertise by teaching intellectual property law and civil law at various universities and higher education institutions. He also holds several Advanced Studies Diplomas (DEA) in Legal Informatics and Computer Law, in the Law of Intangible Creations, and in Literary and Artistic Property Law (University of Nantes, France).
As a recognized expert with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), he has led the development of national intellectual property strategies for several African countries. He has also produced numerous seminal research reports on intellectual property systems in Africa. A prolific author, he has published numerous books and specialized studies in the fields of law and intellectual property, as well as legislation. He has chaired several technical committees responsible for drafting legislative and regulatory texts.
Mr. Denis L. BOHOUSSOU has been honored by the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire with the following distinctions:
- Commander of the Order of Cultural Merit;
- Knight of the Order of the Civil Service
