
The African Salon of Invention and Innovative Enterprise (Saiit): to propel African innovation towards excellence
A showcase for inventors and innovators of the continent
OAPI, as a catalyst for technological development works to stimulate research and innovation in its member states. Aware of the fundamental role of intellectual property in the industrialization process, in particular via the invention certificate, the organization has created an instrument of excellence to reveal and promote inventions with high potential and innovative companies: the African fair for invention and innovative enterprise (Saiit) .
An unmissable event for African creativity
Inaugurated in 1997 in Dakar, this major meeting of African inventiveness and creativity has since radiated in a dozen capitals of the OAPI member states. Organized in principle every two years, the Saiit crosses the national fairs of invention and innovation, thus offering a continental platform to assess and celebrate the excellence of African researchers and entrepreneurs.
Prestigious recognition for the best talents
During each edition, many distinctions reward the most promising creations, after rigorous evaluation by an international jury. Among these awards are:
Saiit benefits from the support of many African and international partners who actively contribute to its influence through:
Since the Cotonou edition in 2018, the Saiit has evolved to fully integrate the entrepreneurial dimension, thus becoming the African Salon of Invention and the Innovative Company. This transformation is accompanied by a more professional organization and an amplified international recognition.
History of the Saiit editions
Year | Host city | Country |
1997 | Dakar | Senegal |
2000 | Lomé | Togo |
2003 | Libreville | Gabon |
2005 | Battle | Equatorial Guinea |
2007 | Bissau | Guinea-Bissau |
2009 | Bamako | Mali |
2018 | Cotonou | Benign |
2020 | Brazzaville | Congo |
2023 | Abidjan | Ivory Coast |