NIAMEY, Niger — Niger has become a regional meeting point for technology and innovation as the 10th African Exhibition of Invention and Innovative Enterprise (SAIIT) opens in Niamey from October 5 to 7, 2026.

Organised under the auspices of the African Intellectual Property Organisation (OAPI), the exhibition is focused on the theme “Intellectual Property and Financing of Innovative SMEs.”

The event is bringing together inventors, researchers, startups, investors and public-sector decision-makers from OAPI member states, alongside participants from Algeria and Tunisia.

One of the key developments is a new financing mechanism created by OAPI in partnership with the African Guarantee Fund (AGF). The initiative is intended to help innovative projects move beyond recognition and toward incubation, acceleration and commercialisation.

The programme includes technology exhibitions, business-to-business meetings, an innovation-financing conference, an inter-university intellectual-property competition and awards for leading inventions.

The Niamey event gives Niger an opportunity to showcase African technological solutions while connecting innovators with potential financing and business opportunities.