Ouagadougou to host 8th West African Physics Society Congress from July 29 to August 1

Ouagadougou will host the 8th Congress of the West African Physics Society from July 29 to August 1, where participants will discuss advancements in physics research. The congress will feature scientific presentations, panels, roundtables, and exhibitions focusing on physics applications in energy, agriculture, water, health, industry, artificial intelligence, and innovative technologies. Organizers aim to highlight physics' contribution to solving socio-economic challenges in African countries, viewing it as crucial for strengthening the continent's scientific and technological sovereignty. Professor Billa Gérard Segda, president of the organizing committee, emphasized the congress's focus on development and the need to connect scientific research with societal concerns. He stated that physics should not be confined to laboratories but should address practical problems such as accessible energy, productive and sustainable agriculture, product conservation and transformation, industrialization, healthcare, and digital transformation, while also creating opportunities for youth. The congress theme is "Supporting access to energy, sustainable agriculture, and food security through applied physics." Professor Segda stressed that energy is vital for sustainable industrialization and transforming agricultural products, while addressing agricultural challenges like increased production, better water management, reduced post-harvest losses, improved conservation, and local processin