
The African Intellectual Property Organization OAPI is organizing the 10th African Exhibition of Invention and Innovative Enterprise, formerly known as SAIIT, from October 5 to 7, 2026, in Niamey, Niger. The theme for this edition is "Intellectual Property and Financing Innovative SMEs." The exhibition aims to identify top research outcomes, utility models, inventions, and technological innovations that can lead to new business creation or enhance the competitiveness of existing companies through innovative products or services. It also seeks to promote utility models, inventions/innovations, and innovative enterprises, and to assess the level of creativity within member states. The call for applications is open to inventors, researchers, universities, research and development institutions, higher education establishments, engineering schools, and businesses from OAPI member states. Selections will be based on novelty, inventiveness, and commercial opportunity. Several awards, including the Grand Prize of the President of the Republic, will be presented to the best inventions and technological innovations. Applications must be submitted online via https://online.forms.app/oapi-file/saiit by June 30, 2026. Additional information is available on the SAIIT website at www.siege.oapi.int/saiit. OAPI is an intergovernmental office for seventeen member states, responsible for issuing industrial property titles such as invention patents, utility model registration certificates, trade
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Must ReadThe Technical University of Munich TUM has officially opened the "Kinderoase," the first permanent building designed by German-Burkinabe architect Francis Kéré in Europe. After over two years of construction, this innovative crèche is ready to accommodate up to 60 children of university staff members. Conceived as a "vertical kindergarten," the building features sustainable architecture primarily using wood, spaces designed for children's height, and an indoor play area connecting different levels with slides and playful routes. The building also includes a rooftop terrace, offering children an outdoor space for discovery and recreation. This achievement exemplifies Francis Kéré's architectural vision, which emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and user well-being. A professor at TUM since 2017 and recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2022, Francis Kéré continues to make his mark on the global architectural scene. Originally from Burkina Faso, he is known for his projects that combine local materials, energy efficiency, and community participation in construction. With the "Kinderoase," the architect provides Munich with an iconic structure that places children at the heart of its design, demonstrating that architecture can be functional, ecological, and inspiring.

The first African Finance and Technology Innovation Exhibition SAFIT concluded on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Ouagadougou, following three days of conferences, panels, exhibitions, and business meetings focused on the digitalization of financial services in Africa. The event culminated in a gala dinner, celebrating the success of the inaugural edition. Komlan Ametefe, Deputy Manager of Africasoft, praised the participants' engagement and the quality of discussions, noting that SAFIT created a platform for dialogue among African financial and technological ecosystem stakeholders, fostering collaboration for digital transformation. He emphasized that the exhibition achieved its goal by facilitating exchanges, enabling microfinance institutions to discover relevant tools, developers to understand financial sector regulations, and NGOs to adopt technological solutions for governance. Nomwendé Claire Lossiane, General Director of the Professional Association of Microfinance Institutions in Burkina Faso, a SAFIT partner, highlighted the event's role in sharing experiences and discovering digital solutions. The first edition gathered approximately one hundred participants. Organizers aim for future editions, with the second planned for May 2027, to expand significantly, involving more participants, exhibitors, sponsors, and the Ministry of Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy. Steve Khaunbiow, Commercial Director of Cagecfi SA, expressed the ambition for SAFIT to become a traveli
Must ReadEngland claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup, beating France 6-4 in a high-scoring third-place playoff match on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Both teams had been eliminated in the semi-finals. This victory places England on the podium after being the unfortunate finalist in Euro 2024. France, the 2018 World Champion and 2022 World Cup finalist against Argentina, finished this edition just off the podium. Kylian Mbappé of France leads the top scorers' chart with 10 goals in the tournament, two more than Lionel Messi, who has 8 goals. The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19, at 7 PM GMT, between reigning champions Argentina and Spain.