Addis Ababa: World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang noted today that a geographical indication system would enable Ethiopian coffee, honey, pottery, and other similar distinctive high-quality heritage products to add value and thrive.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, a geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The GI is a means of supporting jobs, attracting investments, and using developments, Tang added. Tang expressed excitement about Ethiopia’s move towards a GI law, which would provide producers an extra layer of protection both socially and economically. This move is viewed as a strategy to support jobs, attract investments, and utilize developments like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to advance development goals and share Ethiopia’s rich heritage globally.
Tang further reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to contribute to Ethiopia’
s journey towards a robust geographical indication system. During the opening of the two-day International Conference on Geographical Indications, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla stated that Ethiopia is endowed with world-renowned products deserving global recognition and legal protection. The conference was highlighted as pivotal for sharing experiences to realize Ethiopia’s developmental journey.
The minister emphasized that strengthening intellectual property rights, especially the protection of geographical indications, is fundamental to the country’s innovation-led transformation. Geographic indications serve as instruments of empowerment, offering farmers, producers, and communities the means to protect the unique qualities of their products, ensure market access, and preserve the cultural heritage specific to regions. The Government of Ethiopia is committed to this cause, developing a dedicated geographical indications law as part of its broader intellectual property reform agenda and
the World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process.
The law aims to ensure traceability and authenticity for consumers, empower value chain actors and rural communities, protect against counterfeiting and unfair competition, and enhance the market value and export potential of Ethiopian products. Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority Director-General, Woldu Yemessel, emphasized the crucial role of geographical indications law in protecting and promoting Ethiopia’s agricultural products. He noted that products such as coffee, teff, honey, fruits, and spices are intrinsically linked to the land and culture, facing risks of misappropriation, misrepresentation, and undervaluation in the global market without effective legal protection.
In this respect, geographical indications are a crucial form of intellectual property protection. A well-established GI framework ensures that Ethiopian farmers and producers benefit from the authenticity and exclusivity of their products, safeguarding cultural identity and
economic interests. The director-general concluded by stating that Ethiopia can protect its agricultural treasures and ensure that farmers and producers reap the benefits of their hard work and cultural experiences by establishing a robust geographic indication system.