Tendai Gukutikwa
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
ZIMBABWE reached a historic milestone last week as it played host to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Symposium on Geographical Indications (GIs), the first of its kind to be held on African soil.
Drawing high-level delegates from across the globe, the two-day gathering convened legal experts, ministers, international agencies, and representatives of local communities to deliberate on the transformative power of GIs in promoting sustainable development, trade, and cultural preservation.
The symposium was officially opened by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose keynote address was delivered on his behalf by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira.
President Mnangagwa affirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to strengthening its intellectual property ecosystem, describing geographical indications as a strategic tool to elevate local economies by distinguishing products through their unique qualities, be it soil composition, climate, or the traditional expertise embedded in their production.
“Geographical indications represent the interface between heritage and modern commerce,” the President said.
“They empower communities by granting them agency over their cultural and natural resources, while offering nations a competitive edge in global trade.”
He revealed that Zimbabwe is currently developing a comprehensive national GI strategy aimed at unlocking the commercial value of origin-linked products. “We are producing a bilingual GI development guide, in English and Shona, as well as other constitutionally recognised languages, to serve as a user-friendly blueprint for our people,” he announced.
President Mnangagwa added that Zimbabwe is reviewing its intellectual property legislation to align with global standards under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the 2023 African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights.
The AfCFTA Protocol provides a continent-wide framework for the protection and exploitation of intellectual property, including geographical indications.
It calls for harmonised legal approaches, mutual recognition mechanisms, and cooperation among member states to promote innovation, protect traditional knowledge, and facilitate the cross-border trade of origin-based products. Zimbabwe’s efforts are thus, not occurring in isolation, but are embedded within this broader continental vision for integrated economic growth.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, under whose ministry the intellectual property mandate falls, emphasised that hosting the symposium marked a turning point in Zimbabwe’s international engagement on IP matters.
“Geographical indications are essential to safeguarding local production systems rooted in biodiversity and culture. They offer producers a means to differentiate their goods, ensure traceability, and secure premium access to global markets,” he said.
He further announced that Zimbabwe is taking steps to accede to the Lisbon Agreement on Geographical Indications and the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs.
“These treaties will enhance the international visibility and protection of Zimbabwe’s unique products,” he added.
Ms Wang Binying, WIPO’s deputy director general responsible for the brands and designs sector, lauded the symposium as a landmark event.
“This is a special gathering that enables us to engage in meaningful dialogue on how to advance geographical indications, especially in a region where their potential is immense, yet underexploited,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of institutional collaboration and community engagement. African voices resonated strongly throughout the symposium.
Uganda’s Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Honourable Norbert Mao, hailed the hosting of the event in Africa as a testament to the continent’s increasing relevance in global IP policymaking.
“This symposium shows that Africa, not only has a seat at the table, but that its voice is being heard. We possess treasures in the form of GI products, and without protecting them, we risk losing the value they hold,” he said.
Senegal’s Environment and Ecological Transition Minister, Honourable Daouda Ngom underscored the developmental role of GIs in achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals.
“Senegal gives impetus to IP especially GIs as they have an impact of creating jobs and financial empowerment to once marginalised communities” he said.
The economic argument for GIs was reinforced by Mr Bemanya Twebaze, director general of the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).
He cited a 2021 study by the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the European Union which found that GI-protected products generated approximately €75 billion—around seven percent of the European Union’s agri-food exports.
“Africa must now invest in robust GI systems. This includes legislative harmonisation, technical support for producer associations, and the creation of comprehensive GI databases to ensure transparency and traceability,” he urged.
The symposium also brought to light key challenges impeding GI development in Africa.
Among the most pressing were low awareness among producers and consumers, weak enforcement of GI rights, and fragmented legal frameworks.
These issues have often led to the underutilisation or misappropriation of valuable traditional products. Solutions proposed during the deliberations included targeted capacity building, cross-border cooperation, public awareness campaigns, and the development of community-driven branding strategies that anchor authenticity and sustainability.
Delegates called for greater technical support, particularly in the mapping and documentation of GI-worthy products and the formation of strong producer groups capable of managing certification and compliance.
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