Inter-Ministerial workshop held on socioeconomic significance of geographical indications

The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority (EIPA) introduced the final draft of the Geographical Indications Law to various stakeholders and partner institutions on October 2, 2025.

The Director-General of the Authority, in his opening remarks, pointed out that although the concept of a Geographical Indication is new to Ethiopia, developed nations are benefiting significantly from the sector by establishing a Geographical Indications system and preparing a legal framework. He also indicated that while Ethiopia has great wealth in its agricultural and handicraft products, the failure to implement a legal system for this has prevented the country from gaining the benefit it should from the sector.

Dr. Teshager Dagne, Professor at York University and lead to the Ontario research center provided an explanation on the economic and social benefits of the Geographical Indications concept, as well as the international experience, specifically in relation to Ethiopia. He further elaborated by highlighting the points in the draft Geographical Indications legal framework aimed at adding value to Ethiopia’s agricultural and handicraft products. The discussion focused on the practical application and legal framework of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Ethiopia.

For her part, Dr. Coline Lenseigne, Manager of GI Support Fund, at the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (CIRAD), gave a presentation on the unique flavor of Limmu coffee, which grows specifically around Jimma region of Ethiopia, and its potential as a Geographical Indications product. The presentation highlights the expertise from CIRAD and focuses on Limmu coffee as a prime example of an Ethiopian product with the inherent qualities needed for GIs status.

Tadesse Worku, Lead Executive Officer for Traditional Knowledge and Geographical Indications who presented on Ethiopia’s GIs products and the legal framework, stated that more than two years have passed since the drafting of the law began. He also explained that discussions have been held with various stakeholders and noted that the draft law has reached its final stage, ready to be submitted to the relevant government institution for approval.

Firew Hailu, Lead Executive Officer for Legal Affairs at the Authority, then presented a summary of the draft law to the participants.

Representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Coffee and Tea Authority, Agricultural Research center, Trademark Agents, and other partners and stakeholder institutions participated. In addition to providing their input on the draft law, they raised various comments and questions, which were then clarified by the Authority’s leadership and the presenters.