The Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle (OAPI) recently held an inaugural press conference in Niamey, Niger, to announce the preparations for the 10th edition of the Salon Africain de l'Invention et de l'Entreprise Innovante (SAIIT). The event is scheduled to take place from October 5-7, 2026, under the high patronage of Niger's President, General Abdourahamane Tiani. The conference was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdoulaye Seydou.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry emphasized the importance of the SAIIT in promoting innovation and technological development in Niger. He noted that the event aligns with the country's Programme pour la Refondation de la République, which aims to strengthen the nation's sovereignty and technological capabilities. The minister also highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms to support inventors and entrepreneurs.
The Director-General of OAPI, Loukou Denis Bouhoussou, discussed the theme of the 10th edition, which focuses on intellectual property and financing for innovative SMEs. He outlined the organization's efforts to make intellectual property a lever for financing businesses and invited media professionals to promote awareness about intellectual property.
The SAIIT aims to detect, distinguish, and promote the best inventions and innovations in the OAPI region. This edition will focus on financing and bring together international actors, including inventors, researchers, startups, investors, and public decision-makers. The event will feature various activities, such as an exhibition, a conference on financing innovative SMEs, and a competition on intellectual property.
The Nigerien government is expected to benefit from hosting the SAIIT, including increased awareness about the importance of intellectual property and enhanced visibility for the country's innovative sector. The event will also provide opportunities for inventors and entrepreneurs to network with investors and access new markets.
The OAPI has implemented several initiatives to support inventors and entrepreneurs, including measures to simplify the process of obtaining intellectual property rights. The organization aims to make intellectual property a key driver of economic development in Africa.
The 10th edition of the SAIIT promises to be a significant event, with a range of activities and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The event will provide a platform for innovators and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and connect with potential investors and partners.
Key points
- The 10th edition of SAIIT will take place in Niger from October 5-7, 2026.
- The event aims to promote innovation and technological development in Africa.
- OAPI is working to make intellectual property a lever for financing businesses.
