The AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) was adopted by the AU Assembly during its 36th Ordinary Session held from 18 to 19 February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Protocol includes a Preamble and 7 parts (or chapters) with 42 Articles. The Protocol will enter into force 30 days after the deposit of the 22nd instrument of ratification of the Protocol. Only State Parties to the AfCFTA Agreement can ratify or accede to the Protocol. The Protocol reflects a shared commitment by State Parties to protect and enforce IPRs, balance IP systems, and confirms the importance of IP to boosting intra-African trade. In this factsheet, States means State Parties to the Protocol.

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