SIAO 2026: A record-breaking edition with over 800,000 visitors

With over 6,000 artisans and exhibitors from some thirty countries, the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair confirmed its appeal beyond Burkina Faso's borders. The event, which closed on November 7th, also recognized Niger, winner of the President of Faso's Grand Prize.

The country triumphed over Mali and Burkina Faso in the category of best country stand. The Thomas Sankara Special Prize for Creativity was awarded to Yempabou Tankoano from Burkina Faso for his loom. Several other artisans were recognized in the fields of textiles and clothing, dyeing, sewing, upcycling, bronze work, copper work, and food processing.

In total, more than 800,000 visitors attended the trade fair during its ten days of operation. There was also significant media coverage, with 523 journalists and 96 accredited press outlets from seven countries, including Russia.

At the closing ceremony, the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, represented by the Speaker of the People's Legislative Assembly, Ousmane Bougouma, commended the mobilization of artisans, foreign delegations, partners, and the public. In his address, he reiterated the SIAO's role in promoting local products, creating jobs, and combating poverty.

The Head of State primarily called for the development of African crafts by bridging the gap between traditional know-how and industrial technologies and capabilities. He believes this complementarity should improve productivity, enhance product quality, and increase the processing of raw materials on the continent.

"The challenge is not to oppose tradition and modernity, nor the craftsman and the machine. It is about creating the conditions for a synergy in which technology and innovation reinforce the creative genius of our brave craftsmen," he said.

The Minister of Trade and Handicrafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, also praised the quality of the works presented and the enthusiasm generated by this edition. For his part, the Director General of Handicrafts in Niger, Ari Kolo Amadou, saw his country's victory as international recognition of the expertise of Nigerien artisans.

The next edition of SIAO is announced from October 27 to November 5, 2028 in Ouagadougou.

Yolande Bazié