Ouagadougou: The Minister of Homeland Construction, Makalou Sidib, inaugurated the 8th Congress of the West African Physical Society (SOAPHYS) on Wednesday. The congress, held in Ouagadougou, is centered on the role of applied physics in enhancing energy, agriculture, and sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the chairman of the congress organizing committee, Grard Bila Segda, emphasized that the event aims to foster research that addresses the developmental needs of African countries. The focus areas include energy, agriculture, food security, and technological innovation. Segda highlighted that the congress will enable researchers to share their findings, enhance scientific collaborations, and bridge the gap between laboratories and the industrial sector to facilitate the commercialization of innovations.
The congress is themed "Supporting access to energy, sustainable agriculture and food security through applied physics," and will feature a series of plenary sessions, scientific presentations, and showcases of innovations. It will facilitate discussions between researchers and private sector stakeholders, culminating in a final declaration that will serve as a strategic roadmap for advancing applied physics in West Africa.
The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, university and research institute representatives, private sector delegates, technical and financial partners, as well as researchers, engineers, and students from across Africa and beyond. Representing the Ministry of Higher Education, the Minister of National Development, Makalou Sidib, underscored the necessity for scientific solutions to tackle issues related to sustainable energy access, agricultural modernization, water management, and food security.
Minister Sidib highlighted that applied physics offers solutions in areas such as renewable energy, precision agriculture, innovative materials, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and biomedical technologies. He stressed the importance of linking education, research, innovation, and business to facilitate the transfer of scientific outcomes to industrial and social applications. Sidib also encouraged youth engagement in science and technology, emphasizing that African youth should evolve from being mere users of technology to becoming architects of future solutions.
Dr. Amadou Dicko, the Minister Delegate in charge of Animal Resources, representing the sponsors, reiterated the crucial role of science and applied research in addressing energy access, agriculture modernization, and industrialization challenges. He pointed out that physics is vital for transforming African economies through its applications in renewable energies, agricultural technologies, telecommunications, medical imaging, innovative materials, and digital technologies.
Dr. Dicko called for a transition from academic publications to prototypes, products, companies, and ultimately industries. He urged researchers to develop more patents, prototypes, industrial processes, and technology start-ups. He also encouraged states to increase investments in scientific research, infrastructure, and the training of young researchers to fortify Africa's scientific and technological sovereignty.
Addressing private sector representatives, Dr. Dicko advocated for long-term partnerships with universities and research centers to expedite technology transfer and stimulate the creation of innovative businesses. He encouraged young researchers, doctoral students, and students to apply their knowledge to address real-world problems by prioritizing research focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.