Currently, on the African continent, there are 191 protected geographical indications (GIs). According to studies, this field is developing remarkably. This is mainly due to the awareness of a good part of African countries of their economic potential…
Africa is experiencing a growing development of Appellations of Controlled Origin (AOC). Around 191 protected geographical indications (GIs) currently exist on the continent. According to the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and the Intellectual Property Rights Innovation in Africa (AfrIPI), the registration dynamics, currently underway, demonstrate a growing awareness of the importance of promoting African local products.
Economic repercussions…
AfrIPI says this growing interest extends beyond agricultural products to several other products and services such as handicrafts and tourism. GIs are increasingly associated with environmental and social sustainability initiatives. “Beyond registration, there is a growing focus on the commercial valorization of GIs. Added to this is the fact that several African countries have acceded to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement, facilitating the international protection of their GIs. As for the 191 GIs currently protected, this figure, although increasing, remains modest compared to other regions of the world, reflecting significant growth potential,” AfrIPI says. Three different methods of protecting geographical indications exist, either through a sui generis system or as collective or certification marks. It is important to note that the sui generis system, which means “one of a kind,” refers to a legal framework specifically designed to protect geographical indications. “This system is distinct from traditional intellectual property systems such as trademarks or patents,” according to experts.
Again, according to their opinions, in terms of level of protection, the sui generis system often offers stronger and more specific protection to GIs than trademark systems. “In a sui generis system, the GI generally belongs to the State, unlike collective marks which belong to an association, and certification marks to a certifying body,” they announce.
A collective mark is a mark registered by an association, union, or regulatory body to identify products or services originating from members of that entity, and meeting a set of defined common standards or rules. On the other hand, as regards international recognition, sui generis systems are better recognized in some international GI agreements, but trademarks may be more easily recognized in other international contexts. The choice between these methods depends on the legal framework existing in each country, the resources available for implementation and the specific nature of the product to be protected.
Which countries are at the top of the ranking?
On the African continent, North Africa monopolizes the best rankings. Tunisia is third on the continent with 16 sui generis GIs highlighting its olive oils, dates, and figs. Among the registered products are the “Deglet Nour” dates from Nefzaoua, the figs from Djebba, the olive oil from Monastir, and the olive oil from Teboursouk. At the top of the ranking and with 68 GIs all registered sui generis, Morocco is well ahead of the African ranking. The country has developed an ambitious national strategy, promoting its typical products such as argan oil, Taliouine saffron, Souss Massa Euphorbia honey, Oriental rosemary honey, black Bousthammi dates from Draa, Zenatya hot pepper, Amizmiz olive oil, Dir Béni Mellal olive oil, Kelaat M’gouna-Dadés rose water and Bejaad lamb. In second place is South Africa. The southern African country protects 24 sui generis geographical indications (GIs), particularly in the wine sector.
Algeria is fourth in the ranking with 10 GIs registered sui generis, mainly in the wine sector, such as the Côteaux de Mascara, that of Tlemcen or the Côteaux du Zaccar. The country has also registered the “Deglet Nour” dates from Tolga and the dried figs from Béni Maouche.
Following the recent registration of the “Attiéké” as a collective trademark, Côte d’Ivoire now has 5 protected GIs. This brings it into line with Niger, which has 5, and one place ahead of Egypt, which has 4.
Niger ranks fifth ex aequo on the continent with 5 GIs: two registered sui generis (Violet de Galmi, Kilichi du Niger) and three collective brands (Violet de Galmi, Peau Rousse de la chèvre de Maradi, and Tchoukou du Niger).
With 4 protected GIs, Egypt ranks seventh with the 3 sui generis geographical indications which are the black grapes of Baranni, the olives of Matrouh, and the figs of Matrouh, as well as the geographical indication “Egyptian Cotton” registered under a collective trademark. The African top 10 ends with Guinea, Kenya, and Ethiopia each with 3 protected GIs. According to Africa, the reasons for the leadership of these countries are multiple; first, the strong political will, then, the richness of the agricultural and culinary heritage, and finally, the support of international organizations and the existence of structured sectors. Certainly, protected geographical indications have a positive impact on rural development in Africa. They allow a better promotion of local products, an increase in producers’ incomes, and the maintenance of traditional activities. Nevertheless, the economic benefits remain unequal depending on the sectors. Niche products are doing better than mass-market products. Furthermore, the distribution of added value within the sectors remains a challenge.
