
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 ReadPope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica humanitas, published on May 25, 2026, is generating significant interest within the digital technology sector. Taylor Black, Director of AI Ecosystems and Startups at Microsoft, stated in an interview with Vatican News that the encyclical offers valuable insights into understanding the human person, which has become a critical consideration in artificial intelligence development. Black explained that generative AI systems increasingly rely on user interaction, necessitating a deeper understanding of human behaviors, values, and thought processes. He noted that technology companies are now exploring philosophical and religious perspectives to enhance their thinking on the uses and impacts of these technologies. Black believes the encyclical provides useful guidance for designing responsible AI, particularly concerning child protection and fostering critical thinking in response to machine-generated content. He advocates for increased dialogue among developers, philosophers, theologians, and religious leaders to guide AI evolution and address its ethical challenges.
Must ReadBurkina Faso recently held its 8th annual commemoration of Thomas Sankara, a ceremony instituted by the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The event, themed "Thomas Sankara lives on," gathered government officials, diplomatic corps, international organization representatives, and citizens to honor Sankara's legacy. Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, emphasized Sankara's universal appeal, stating he belongs to humanity and not just Burkina Faso. The tribute also honored companions who fell with Sankara in October 1987. The Minister highlighted Sankara's enduring ideals of human dignity, social justice, people's emancipation, international solidarity, and Pan-Africanism, which continue to inspire globally. He also recalled Sankara's international visits between 1983 and 1987, where he promoted African unity, sovereignty, and cooperation. Ouédraogo called on Burkinabè at home and abroad, as well as international partners, to support the completion of the Thomas Sankara Memorial's infrastructure and to contribute archives, historical documents, and objects related to Sankara. He also sought diplomatic support to retrieve archives from countries Sankara visited. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presided over the ceremony, expressing emotion and recognition for Sankara, whom he considers a major figure in contemporary African history. Traoré stated that Sankara's prophecy of "thousands of Sankaras" is
Must ReadThe Malian government announced on Thursday, June 4, 2026, an exceptional measure in its fight against terrorism, offering significant financial rewards for information leading to the arrest or neutralization of several actively sought terrorist leaders. At the top of the list is Iyad Ag Ghaly, leader of the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims GSIM, with a reward of 2 billion FCFA for reliable information. Authorities are also offering 1.5 billion FCFA for information on Amadou Kouffa, also known as Hamadoun Hassan Sankaré, a key figure in terrorist attacks in central Mali, and for Abdoulaye Mahamadou Bekaye Diallo, known as Doulé Bib of Nampala and Sidi. A reward of 1 billion FCFA is offered for information on Algabas Ag Intalla. Other sought-after individuals, including Seden Ag Hita, alias Houthman or Abdel Hakim, Bilal Ag Acherif, and Abdirahman Al Batna Al Jazairi, have rewards up to 500 million FCFA. These individuals are suspected of involvement in planning, organizing, and executing numerous attacks that have resulted in civilian and military deaths, as well as significant material damage across the country. The government urges citizens to be vigilant and report any useful information to the relevant services.

UBA Burkina celebrated Africa Day on May 25, 2026, at its Ouagadougou headquarters with cultural and festive activities. The event, themed "Celebrating Africans, Empowering Africans," aimed to promote African unity, celebrate diversity, and strengthen the sense of belonging among staff and clients. Activities included traditional music performances, traditional attire contests, local food tasting, and interactive quizzes for clients. UBA, present in 20 African countries, used the occasion to highlight the continent's cultural richness and reiterate its ambition to expand its presence further to contribute to economic development and regional integration. Madame Rasmata Djibo, Managing Director of UBA Burkina, emphasized the celebration as a moment of communion and unity, thanking staff for their dedication. Mr. Serge Coulibaly, Executive Director of the bank, stated that African integration is central to UBA's vision. Madame Diah Dossou, Head of Customer Experience, highlighted that the event reminded clients that UBA is an African institution for Africans, demonstrating proximity and commitment. UBA Burkina is a customer-centric, digital, and integrated bank serving individuals, SMEs, commercial companies, large enterprises, multinationals, governments, parastatals, and financial institutions, with 26 branches and 450 employees.