The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Abdoulaye Saydou, presided over the prize-giving ceremony for the 2026 African Salon on 22 October 2026 in Niamey. This event concluded the recognition of seven laureates who were selected from the national side events and the Public Prize of the 10th edition of the Salon Africain des Innovations et des Inventions Technologiques (SAIIT).
SAIIT 2026 took place from 5 October to 7 October 2026 at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey. The proceedings during those three days served as the platform for the evaluation of the participants who eventually received their awards at the ceremony led by Abdoulaye Saydou.
The selection process for the seven laureates involved a rigorous assessment of entries submitted during the national side events. These preliminary sessions were designed to identify technical ingenuity and innovative capacity across various sectors. The Public Prize component allowed for a broader evaluation of the contributions presented during the 10th edition of the Salon Africain des Innovations et des Inventions Technologiques (SAIIT). By integrating these two streams of recognition, the organizers aimed to highlight both professional technical assessments and public engagement with the showcased inventions.
The Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey served as the central hub for all activities associated with the 10th edition of the event. From 5 October to 7 October 2026, the venue hosted a series of exhibitions and technical sessions that allowed participants to demonstrate their work to judges and attendees. The structure of the event ensured that each innovation was scrutinized for its practical application and potential impact.
Following the conclusion of the three-day exhibition period, the final evaluation phase took place. The results of these deliberations culminated in the identification of the seven laureates who were formally honored during the ceremony on 22 October 2026. This final gathering, held in the capital, served as the official closure for the 2026 African Salon.
Abdoulaye Saydou, in his capacity as the Minister of Commerce and Industry, oversaw the distribution of the awards. The ceremony recognized the contributions of the seven laureates, who represented the culmination of the efforts initiated during the national side events and the competitive process for the Public Prize. The event noted the commitment of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to fostering a culture of technological advancement.
The 10th edition of the Salon Africain des Innovations et des Inventions Technologiques (SAIIT) functioned as a structured environment for the display of intellectual property and creative development. By providing a dedicated space at the Mahatma Gandhi International Conference Center in Niamey, the organizers facilitated interaction between inventors and industry stakeholders. The success of the event was measured by the quality of the projects presented and the final selection of the seven laureates who received their awards on 22 October 2026. This ceremony marked the end of the 2026 African Salon proceedings.
