"It is time for Africa to resolutely put invention and technological innovation, as well as their valorization, at the service of economic and social development, and thus find answers to the multiple challenges it still faces. These are the challenges of health, food, industrialization, job creation and wealth."
Denis Loukou BOHOUSSOU has headed the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) since August 1, 2017.
After a first term of five (05) years, he was reappointed in August 2022. He is now continuing his second term of five (05) years at the head of this strategic intergovernmental institution.
Before becoming Director General of OAPI, Mr. BOHOUSSOU built solid experience in the field of intellectual property and economic development in Côte d'Ivoire. He notably held the positions of:
- Director General of the Ivorian Office of Intellectual Property (OIPI);
- Director of Private Sector Development at the Ministry of Industry and Private Sector Development;
- President of the Technical Commission for Investments (CTI) of Côte d'Ivoire, a position he held for several years;
- Deputy Director of the National Center for Legal Documentation (CNDJ).
Holder of a Doctorate in Law obtained in 1993 from the University of Montpellier I (France), Mr. BOHOUSSOU shares his expertise through teaching intellectual property law and civil law in various universities and higher education institutions. He also holds several Advanced Studies Diplomas (DEA) in Legal Computer Science 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 in several African countries. He has also produced numerous reference study 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 in legislation. He has headed several technical committees responsible for drafting legislative and regulatory texts.
Mr. Denis L. BOHOUSSOU was honored by the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire with the following distinctions:
