Following the recent decision of the African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) to reserve the name “Attiéké” or “Atchêkê” only for cassava semolina produced in Ivory Coast, and the reactions this decision arouses, We found it relevant to take stock of geographical indications (GIs) in Africa.
It should be noted that Africa is experiencing an increasing development of controlled designations of origin (AOC), the term most commonly used to designate geographical indications protected at the international level, with approximately 191 GIs currently protected on the continent, either by a system sui generis, or as collective or certification marks, three different methods of protecting geographical indications.
Saffron has been cultivated in Morocco for centuries in the mountainous areas of the Taliouine Taznakht region, renowned for its high quality nationally and internationally. It is used for its culinary, medicinal and cosmetic properties. Morocco is the fourth saffron producing country after Iran, India and Greece. It takes 150,000 flowers and 400 hours of manual labor to produce 1 kilogram of saffron. DR
According to OAPI and AfrIPI, an international cooperation project financed and led by the European Union, the current registration dynamic demonstrates a growing awareness of the importance of promoting local African products. . Beyond agricultural products, AfrIPI observes a growing interest in the protection of crafts (Baoulé loincloth, Saponé hats) and even services (ecotourism). AfrIPI also notes that GIs are increasingly associated with environmental and social sustainability approaches.
Beyond registration, emphasis is increasingly placed on the commercial valorization of GIs. Added to this is the fact that several African countries have joined 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.
Read also: Attiéké finally labeled: blessed bread for Ivory Coast, not for other cassava semolina producers
In the context of GIs, it should be noted that the main nuances between these approaches are that the sui generis system, from the Latin expression meaning “one of its 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.
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.
A collective mark is a mark registered by an association, a union or a control body to identify products or services coming from members of this entity, and meeting a set of common standards or rules defined as can be seen for Ivorian attiéké, or the Violet of Galmi, the Red Skin of the Maradi goat or the Tchoukou of Niger, or the commercial brand “Belle de Guinée” registered under a collective trademark by the Fédération des paysans du Fouta Djalon (FPFD) to protect local potato production.
Read also: Innovation: which are the five African countries that filed the most patents in 2020?
In terms of 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 existing legal framework in each country, the resources available for implementation and the specific nature of the product to be protected.
The 10 leaders represent around 73% of geographical indications (GI) registered in Africa
| Pays | Rang | Number of sui generis system records | Number of collective mark registrations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 1er | 68 | 0 |
| South Africa | 2nd | 24 | 0 |
| Tunisia | 3rd | 16 | 0 |
| Algeria | 4th | 10 | 0 |
| Ivory Coast | 5th | 2 | 3 |
| Niger | 5th | 2 | 3 |
| Egypt | 7th | 3 | 1 |
| Guinea | 8th | 1 | 2 |
| Kenya | 8th | 0 | 3 |
| Ethiopia | 8th | 0 | 3 |
African GI champions
With 68 GIs all registered sui generis, Morocco is well at the top of the African ranking. The country has developed an ambitious national strategy, promoting its typical products such as argan oil, saffron from Taliouine, Euphorbia honey from Souss Massa, rosemary honey from the Oriental, black Bousthammi dates from Draa , Fort Zenatya pepper, Amizmiz Olive oil, Dir Béni Mellal Olive oil, Kelaat M’gouna-Dadés rose water or even Bejaad lamb.
Read also: The African Network of Nursing and Health Professions is born in Casablanca
Next comes South Africa in second place. The southern African country protects 24 sui generis geographical indications (GIs), notably in the wine sector, as well as rooibos and honeybush.
Tunisia is third on the continent with 16 sui generis GIs highlighting its olive oils, dates and figs. Among the registered products are Deglet Nour dates from Nefzaoua, figs from Djebba, olive oil from Monastir and olive oil from Teboursouk.
Algeria is fourth in the ranking with 10 GIs registered sui generis, mainly in the wine sector, such as the Coteaux de Mascara, that of Tlemcen or the Coteaux du Zaccar. The country has also recorded “Deglet Nour” dates from Tolga and dried figs from Béni Maouche.
Following the recent registration of Attiéké/Atchêkê as a collective trademark, Côte d’Ivoire now has 5 protected GIs. Which makes it join Niger which has 5, and gain a place on Egypt which has 4. In detail, Attiéké des Lagunes and Pagne Baoulé are registered via the Sui generis system. Added to this are the geographical indications “Pagne Baoulé”, “Toiles de Korogho” and “Attiéké/Atchêkê” registered as a collective brand.
Read also: Investment and territorial identity at the heart of the 2nd African Tourism Forum in Casablanca
Niger ranks joint fifth on the continent with 5 GIs: two registered sui generis (Violet de Galmi, Kilichi du Niger) and three collective brands (Violet de Galmi, Red skin of the Maradi goat, 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 collective trademark .
Guinea, Kenya and Ethiopia close the top 10 African geographical indication holders, each with 3 protected GIs. Guinea protects Ziama-Macenta coffee and 2 other products under collective brands (Belle de Guinée potatoes, Bora Molé rice). Although not having sui generis geographical indications, Kenya protects 3 products under collective brands. These are Café Kenya, So rich, so Kenyan; “The Finest Kenyan tea”; and “Taita Basket” baskets. For its part, Ethiopia has registered 3 coffee GIs in the form of collective brands: Harar, Yirgacheffe and Sidamo.
Read also: Discovering “Little Mauritius”, a corner of paradise that Guineans are discovering little by little
It must be said that the reasons for the leadership of these countries are multiple: strong political will, rich agricultural and culinary heritage, support from international organizations, existence of structured sectors.
Economic impact on local communities
GIs have a proven positive impact on rural development in Africa. They allow better promotion of local products, an increase in producers’ income and the maintenance of traditional activities. For example, the price of Penja pepper from Cameroon has increased fourfold since its GI registration. GIs also promote gastronomic tourism and the attractiveness of territories.
However, the economic benefits remain unequal depending on the sector. Niche products like coffee or pepper are doing better than mass-market products like attiéké. In addition, the distribution of added value within the sectors remains a challenge.
