The 6th International Symposium on Science and Technology (SIST) kicked off in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, on September 21, 2026. The event, themed "Sciences, technologies, innovations and endogenous knowledge for sovereignty and sustainable development in Africa," brings together over 941 participants from 12 countries in Africa and Europe. The symposium is organized by the National Center for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST), the Center for Biomolecular Research (CERBA), and the Saint Thomas Aquinas University (USTA).
The symposium features 585 oral communications and 215 posters in various fields, including agricultural and environmental sciences, health sciences, applied and technological sciences, and human and social sciences. Four thematic panels will be led by high-level experts from politics, science, culture, and traditions. The Director General of CNRST, Dr. Emmanuel Nanéma, highlighted the significance of the event, which aims to promote scientific research and innovation in Africa.
The Minister of Defense, General Célestin Simporé, emphasized the importance of science and technology in Burkina Faso's development. He noted that the country's President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has made science a priority for economic development. The Minister also praised the resilience of the Burkinabe people and the country's determination to overcome challenges.
The symposium also features a paren panel discussion on the importance of endogenous knowledge and traditional practices in achieving sovereignty and sustainable development. Konomba Traoré, a renowned Burkinabe scholar, stressed the need for Africa to develop its own knowledge and innovations, rather than relying on external solutions.
The event provides a platform for scientists, researchers, and innovators to share their work and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. The symposium also includes exhibitions and demonstrations of innovative technologies and products. Participants are expected to share their experiences and expertise, promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa.
The 6th SIST is seen as a significant step towards promoting scientific research and innovation in Burkina Faso and Africa. The event is expected to contribute to the development of endogenous knowledge and capacities, enabling the continent to address its challenges and achieve sustainable development.
The symposium will run until September 26, 2026, and will conclude with recommendations and a call to action for governments, researchers, and innovators to prioritize science, technology, and innovation in their development agendas. The event is a testament to the growing importance of science and technology in Burkina Faso and Africa's development.
Key points
- The 6th International Symposium on Science and Technology is being held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, with over 941 participants from 12 countries.
- The event features 585 oral communications and 215 posters in various scientific fields.
- The symposium aims to promote endogenous knowledge and innovation in Africa, with a focus on sovereignty and sustainable development.
