AFRICA OCIIP INNOVATIONS EXPO 2020 REPORT
REPORT: AFRICA OCIIP EXPO 2020
INTRODUCTION
Organization for Creativity, Innovation and Invention Promotion (OCIIP) Nigeria with the support from various organizations organized the AFRICA OCIIP Expo 2020 with the theme; Innovation for Inclusive Development in Africa from 17th to 19th November, 2020. The expo was designed to address exponential changes needed to significantly improve inclusive continental economic standards.
A total number of 1264 participants attended the expo. A total number of 83 exhibitors showcased their innovative ideas, products and research paper from 30 countries.
The expo offered an extensive program on interest to academia, government and industry. The expo included several distinguished keynote speakers with series of exciting speeches to develop skills and advance awareness of innovation for inclusive continental development in Africa.
Panel sessions had experts share and deliberate on innovation strategies from their different perspective.
This report will highlight the expo structure and summary report of the activities that ensured in the expo.
EXPO STRUCTURE
AFRICA OCIIP Expo 2020 was conceived and designed to deliberate on the need to foster the culture of creativity and innovations in Africa which will lead to impactful development. Some of the objectives of the expo include:
- Addressing the exponential changes needed to significantly improve inclusive continental economic standards.
- To mobilize a network of innovators, researchers, inventors, investors and driving business developers for networking and cross-collaboration.
- To present awards to deserving and outstanding innovations for empowerment.
The structure of the expo had three sections which are:
- SUMMIT: where speakers shared their perspective on creativity and innovation as a driving force for economic revolution and gave insight for ground breaking continental development.
- EXHIBITION: where 83 exhibitors showcased their invention, innovation, product and services for possible engagement and facilitate connections with investors, clients and partners.
- AWARDS: prizes were given to sponsors and partners for their outstanding participation to the success of the expo.
The expo was hosted on a virtual platform where participants registered their interest and received access details to the platform. Exhibitors were also given the platform to showcase their innovative ideas and products virtually.
EXPO SUMMARY
The first day of the 3-day expo, Tuesday 17th November, 2020 started with opening address from the president, OCIIP Nigeria, Michael Esuong followed by goodwill message by Prof. Emeka Iweala, the director of Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Discovery (Nigeria). The next on the agenda was a keynote presentation by Majid El Bouazzaoui, the president of OFEED (Morocco) followed by special presentation and inventor success stories. A second keynote presentation followed by Stephen Key, the co-founder of InventRight (USA). It was a great session as a lot was shared and learned. A recap was done and closing remarks by Michael Esuong.
The second day of the event started with an opening address from the president, OCIIP Nigeria 
followed by a goodwill message. A keynote presentation was made by Wendy Mahoney, CEO of Newmella Holdings (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) The next on the agenda was a special presentation and inventor success stories. A panel session the followed with Dr. Stell-Maris Orim, Assistant Professor, Coventry University (United Kingdom), Petra Rees, Founder & CEO Why Toyz (South Africa) and Dr. Stephen Oluwatobi, Founder, Edustart Global (Nigeria) as the panelists, speaking on digital transformation. Shortly after the panel session, Radwan Chaouib, President, National Association for Science and Research (Lebanon) delivered a keynote presentation. The event came to an end with a recap and closing remarks by Michael Esuong.
The final day of the expo started with a welcome address by the moderator then followed by goodwill message by Ninette Kamel, Communications and Outreach Manager, National Association for Science and Research (Lebanon). A keynote presentation then followed by Dase Hunaefi, IPB University Deputy Director for Collaboration and International Relations (Indonesia). There was also special recognition and inventor success stories. A panel discussion session had Michael Ogundare and Ogbole Samson as panelists that focused on innovation in the agricultural sector. The event came to an end with award presentation to deserving organizations for support, participation and contribution to the success of the expo. The president OCIIP Nigeria gave the closing speech and brought the expo to a close.
