French Funded GI Project to Boost the County's Exports

May 27 , 2023

A brand creation based on geographical indication aimed at boosting export earnings was availed to stakeholders last week. Geographical Indication (GI) is a 400,000 euros project funded by the Agence Francaise de Development fund. The project is expected to focus on Origin-linked Products in Ethiopia (GOPE), particularly coffee which accounted for 43.7pc of exports this year. The project will be part of the GI support fund totalling 6.3 million euros in 11 African countries. The Head of the Ethiopian Coffee & Tea Authority, Adugna Debela (PhD), believes that GIs coupled with more funding will significantly impact the country's exports in the long run.   Former Director General of the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Authority, Ermias Hailemariam (PhD), noted the importance of creating an enabling legislative framework to establish GIs during an event held at the Inter-Luxury Hotel. Ermias who currently serves as a State Minister for Justice highlighted the unique characteristics of honey, spices, tea, and spirits that could potentially gain global recognition.