Ethiopia has completed its first legal framework for geographical indications (GI), a move expected to help the country turn distinctive farm products into premium brands and expand earnings from global and regional markets.
The Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority says the framework will give legal protection to products whose quality, reputation or characteristics are tied to their place of origin. Officials say the new system could help Ethiopian producers capture more value from products such as Sidama coffee, Yirgacheffe coffee and Tigray white honey, which have long lacked strong legal protection.
Deputy Director General Endalew Mosisa said the reform is designed to ensure that products with unique qualities are recognized and protected in the market. He said Ethiopia should be able to market such goods with the same level of recognition enjoyed by products like Champagne or Scotch whisky.
Under the framework, producers outside a designated area would not be allowed to sell products using protected geographical names. Officials say that should help safeguard the reputation of authentic local producers and prevent misuse by traders or competitors.
The legal reform also comes at a strategic time, as Ethiopia continues efforts to join the World Trade Organization and deepen its participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area. According to the authority, stronger intellectual property protection is now a key requirement in those broader trade and integration processes.
Ethiopia has already signed international agreements including the Paris Convention and the Madrid Protocol, which officials describe as important steps toward aligning the country’s trade and intellectual property systems with global standards. An amendment to the establishment proclamation of the Intellectual Property Authority is also being prepared to expand its mandate.
In addition to the GI framework, Ethiopia has finalized preparations to join the Patent Cooperation Treaty, with a draft agreement already submitted to government. Officials say this would make it easier for Ethiopian inventors to seek protection in multiple countries after registering their inventions locally.
The country is also revising its trademark law to reflect current international requirements. At the continental level, Ethiopia is taking part in ongoing efforts under the AfCFTA to harmonize intellectual property rules across Africa.
The Intellectual Property Authority says registration and protection work on geographical indications will begin soon in cooperation with research institutions and universities. Officials expect the initiative to help close quality and pricing gaps in export products such as coffee, sesame, honey and spices, while improving foreign currency earnings.
