The 18th edition of the Salon international de l'artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) has officially announced its winners. A total of 36,550,000 FCFA has been allocated to various prizes. The Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso took the top three spots in the ranking of best country stands. The Niger won the first prize, accompanied by 3 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate.
The captain Ibrahim Traoré, president of Faso, presented the prizes to the winners. In the category of stands from Burkina Faso regions, the Yaadga region won first place with 1.5 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. The Guiriko region received 1 million FCFA for second place, while the Tannounyan region took third place with 750,000 FCFA.
The "Thomas Sankara de la créativité" prize, awarded to the best African works in the creativity pavilion, was won by Burkina Faso with two prizes out of three. Yempabou Tankoano's automatic weaving machine "Findi" won the first prize, worth 1.5 million FCFA. Aboubacar Tapsoba's leather backpack with "vision" technology took second place, worth 1 million FCFA.
The SIAO creativity prize, supported by the ministry in charge of craftsmanship, also distinguished three productions. Yempabou Tankoano again won first place with his automatic weaving machine "Findi", worth 2.5 million FCFA. Yam Fashion took second place with its "Tinga Mocassin" shoe, made from leather and Faso Dan Fani, worth 1.5 million FCFA.
Other prizes highlighted artisans' expertise in various fields. Malado Waigald was awarded for her Den Nutri Plus infant flour in the agro-food transformation category. Tenimpagba Yonli was recognized for his 100% cotton Faso Dan Fani pagne in the textile category. Aboubacar Tapsoba was also awarded for his "Souveraineté" set, consisting of a handbag, pouch, and women's slippers made from leather.
The excellence prize for the African craft champion, awarded by the president of Mali, went to Mahamadou Elmihidi Traoré for his intelligent trash can "Niama Minan", worth 3 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. The Ouagadougou commune awarded Ibrahima Guiré, the best artisan in the city in the bronze category, 500,000 FCFA for his "Bureautique" bronze work.
The SIAO's 18th edition showcased the diversity of African craft productions, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and local material transformation. The prizes acknowledge artisans' work and their contribution to promoting the African craft sector.
Key points
- The Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso won the top three spots in the ranking of best country stands at the 18th SIAO edition.
- Yempabou Tankoano won two prizes, including the "Thomas Sankara de la créativité" prize and the SIAO creativity prize.
- The 18th SIAO edition allocated a total of 36,550,000 FCFA to various prizes.
