Burkina Faso opens international craft fair

The Salon international de l'artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) officially opened its doors on Friday, October 30, 2026, in Ouagadougou. President Ibrahim Traoré presided over the opening ceremony for the event, which will run for 10 days until November 8, 2026. The fair aims to showcase African artisans and their creations, fostering discussions on the development and promotion of the artisanal sector.

Under the theme "African craftsmanship and industrialization: what synergy for better organization and valorization of local products and cultural heritage?", the SIAO seeks to provide a platform for artisans. President Traoré expressed his commitment to advancing African craftsmanship towards modernization and industrialization, emphasizing the importance of mastering materials and artistic skills. He encouraged artisans to be creative and persistent.

Minister of Industry, Commerce and Artisanship, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, read the president's speech, highlighting the vision of the Popular Progressive Revolution to make craftsmanship a tool for sovereignty and individual fulfillment. He noted that since its creation in 1988, SIAO has become a significant event for African creativity, representing the continent's intelligence, identity, and ability to transform materials into beauty and wealth.

Why it mattersBurkinabè artisans and their cultural heritage are directly affected by the opening of the SIAO, which aims to promote their work and foster industrialization.

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