This document summarizes lessons learned about geographical indications (GIs) from around the world and discusses opportunities and challenges for implementing GIs in African Union countries. Key success factors for GIs globally include having a product with typical qualities, collective governance of producer groups, linking to appropriate markets, and establishing a strong legal framework. Africa has many traditional products that could benefit from GIs but faces challenges like empowering small producers and ensuring they receive a fair value. Public support is needed to establish protection systems and promote GIs.

1. DEVELOPMENT OF GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS
IN THE AFRICAN UNION COUNTRIES: A
CONTINENTAL STRATEGY AND AN ACTION PLAN
VALIDATION WORKSHOP
22-25 November 2016 – Nairobi, Kenya

2. Geographical Indications as a tool for
sustainable rural development
Lessons learnt worldwide
Catherine Teyssier

3. Lessons learnt from GIs in the world: success factors
The product typicality. The basis for the CoP and the
right to be protected.
The GI governance: collective action, inclusiveness, all
stakeholders representation, leadership of a GI
organisation.
The market linkages: identify the appropriate markets,
their requirements and actors.
The institutional framework: a sound legal frame for the
protection. Control, certification, repression of frauds.

4. Lessons learnt from GIs in the world: success factors
But also policies and guidance for local governance
improvment, facilitation of cooperation among
stakeholders, market information systems, consumer
awareness raising, capacity building, research and
trainings, etc.
The investment capacity of local stakeholders and of
public sector.
The territorial dynamism: benefits for actors not only
involved in the value chain, with economic but also
environmental and social effects.

5. Opportunities for Africa
Africa has a huge pool of traditional products with
important economic, social and environmental
contributions. Food, handicrafts, forests, etc.
Africa is an important and fast growing market for
such products
Export markets are also keen on these products:
possible synergies with other standards (organic, fair
trade), « decommoditization » strategies
Growing interest of public and private stakeholders.
GIs can federate ! Conflicts are part of the process

6. Challenges for Africa
Small scale producers: need for empowerment,
capicity buliding, education, training; for
investment capacity (technology, food safety),
extension services, market information system,
resources access.
 Difficult to benefit from a fair share of the value
added, in particular for export products (long
value chains, raw material processed else where)
When GIs processes are recent, lack of awareness
of the stakeholders: value chain actors, public
authorities, consumers.

7. Challenges for Africa
Multi-stakeholders and multidisciplinary
approaches: ad hoc policies are needed.
Public resources are needed to invest both the
protection and promotion.
Certification costs are very heavy, for producers
and for public authorities.
Necessity to consider cross-border products.
Governance is key: multi-actors and multi-
disciplinary approaches ; mediation and strong
interprofessional bodies are necessary. Time is
needed!

8. Thank you !