Addis Ababa, June 3, 2025 (FMC) — World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director-General Daren Tang noted today that Geographical Indication System (GI) is a means of supporting jobs, attracting investments, and using developments.
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.
GI system would enable Ethiopian coffee, honey, pottery, and other similar distinctive high quality heritage products to add value and thrive.
“That is why it is so exciting to see Ethiopia moving towards the GI law, giving producers and extra layer of protection socially and economically. It is a means of supporting jobs, attracting investments and using developments like AfCFTA to further development goals and share this country rich heritages with the world,” the director-general elaborated.
Tang further reaffirmed WIPO’s commitment to play its part and continue working with Ethiopia in its journey towards a robust geographical indication system.
Opening the two-day International Conference on Geographical Indications, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla said Ethiopia is blessed with world renowned products that deserve both global recognition and legal protection.
The minister highlighted the conference as pivotal for sharing experiences to realize Ethiopia’s developmental journey.
According to him, strengthening intellectual property rights, specially, the protection of geographical indications is now recognized as fundamental to the country’s innovation-led transformation.
Geographic indications are instruments of empowerment that offer farmers, producers and communities to protect the unique qualities of their products, ensure market access and preserve the cultural heritages associated with specific regions, he noted.
In this regard, the Government of Ethiopia is deeply committed to the cause and the country is developing a dedicated geographical indications law as part of the broader intellectual property reform agenda and WTO accession process.
The law will help guarantee traceability and authenticity for consumers, empower value chain actors and rural communities, protect against counter fitting and unfair competition and enhance the market value and export potential of Ethiopian products.
On his part, Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority Director-General, Woldu Yemessel emphasized the crucial role of geographical indications law in protecting and promoting Ethiopia’s agricultural products.
The products of Ethiopia such as coffee, teff, honey, fruits and spices are intrinsically linked to the land and culture, he stated, adding that these unique products face risks of misappropriation, misrepresentation and undervaluation in global market without effective legal protection.
In this respect, geographical indications are crucial form of intellectual property protection and 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 noting that Ethiopia can protect its agricultural treasures and ensure that our farmers and producers reap the benefits of their hard work and cultural experiences by establishing robust geographic indication system.