Ouagadougou: The second edition of the International Fair of Young Geniuses of Faso (FIPEG-FASO) opened Friday at the National Museum in Ouagadougou. Initiated by the Open My Eyes for Life (OMELA) association, this fair aims to highlight the talent and creativity of Burkinab¨ children and young people aged 6 to 24, from various parts of the country.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Fair brought together students, out-of-school youth, and internally displaced persons around innovative projects in key sectors such as security, health, and agriculture. It provides a platform for showcasing and promoting skills. The representative of the Minister in charge of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Professor Olga Lompo, welcomed an initiative "to be promoted", believing that it helps to reveal the enormous potential of Burkinabe youth.
"These children are innovating in essential areas of daily life and providing concrete solutions to the country's challenges," she said, while reaffirming the ministry's commitment to supporting these young talents. Participants presented several projects, including a mini oil stove, a hazard detection device for visually impaired people, and a bicycle and mini-tricycle made from locally sourced Burkinabe products. A data protection and scam detection application was also developed.
The president of the OMELA association, Emmanuel Dori, indicated that this edition aims to be more inclusive and structured. He specified that practical workshops in technology, digital skills, and creativity have been integrated to allow more young people to be introduced to innovation. Mr. Dori explained that participants were evaluated by age group (children, adolescents, and young adults) to ensure greater fairness. He indicated that out of more than 60 applications received, approximately 30 relevant projects were selected after a preliminary review.
The event's patron, Mich¨le Diane Karambiri, praised the potential of Burkina Faso's youth. She emphasized the need for better guidance, training, and opportunities to allow young people to fully express their talent, while pledging to support them. Ms. Karambiri also invited participants to remain committed to the values of integrity, which she considers essential to the development of Burkina Faso.
'We were moved and proud to see that our productions were appreciated. It wasn't easy to realize our projects, but today we are happy to present them,' said Bougma Precious, one of the young geniuses. Opened this Friday, April 24, this fair will run until Sunday, April 26, 2026 at the National Museum, with a program of exhibitions and demonstrations of projects, competitions and awards for young talents, practical workshops, panels as well as meetings with experts and development actors.
Through this initiative, the OMELA association intends to contribute to the emergence of an innovative and committed generation, capable of proposing endogenous solutions for the development of Burkina Faso.