The 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Artisanal Fair (SIAO) has announced its winners, with a total of 42 prizes awarded to artisans and exhibitors. The prizes, worth 36.5 million FCFA, recognize creativity, innovation, and know-how in various categories. The awards were announced on November 6, 2026, at the SIAO venue in Ouagadougou. A total of 18 juries evaluated the works and stands in competition.
The Grand Prix du Président du Faso, in the category of best country stands, was awarded to Niger, which took the first place and received 3 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. Mali occupied the second position with a reward of 2 million FCFA and a certificate. Burkina Faso completed the podium with 1.5 million FCFA and a certificate. This category has a total envelope of 6.5 million FCFA.
In the category of regional stands in Burkina Faso, the Yaadga region won the first place with 1.5 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. The Guiriko region received 1 million FCFA and a certificate, while the Tannounyan region occupied the third place with 750,000 FCFA and a certificate. The ALP's Thomas Sankara Prize for creativity also awarded three creations, with Burkinabè Yempabou Tankouano winning the first prize for his "automatic loom Findi".
The SIAO Creativity Prize, established by the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, also distinguished several innovations. Yempabou Tankouano maintained his first place with his automatic loom "Findi", receiving 2.5 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. YAM FASHION from Burkina Faso won the second prize for its "Tinga Mocassin" shoe, made from leather and Faso Dan Fani, and received 1.5 million FCFA and a certificate.
In the professional categories, Malado Waigald was distinguished as the best transformer of agro-food products for her infant flour "DEN NUTRI PLUS", receiving 750,000 FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. Tenimpagba Yonli won the prize for the best transformer in the textile domain for his woven pagne in Faso Dan Fani, 100% cotton. Aboubacar Tapsoba was also rewarded in the category of leather and skin products for his set of bag, pouch, and slippers for women "Souveraineté".
The President Assimi Goïta Prize, which rewards the best artisanal work from an artisan from a member country of the ODEPA, was awarded to Malian Mahamadou Elmihidi Traore for his work "Niama Minan/Intelligent bin", earning him 3 million FCFA, a trophy, and a certificate. Other distinctions were awarded by public and private structures, including the Commune of Ouagadougou, SN-BRAFASO, and Ecobank.
The special prizes awarded to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reflect the creativity and innovation of artisans from these countries. The prizes aim to promote and support the development of the artisanal sector in West Africa. The winners were congratulated by the President of the Rewards and Creativity Commission, Agarba Patricia Badolo, who praised the commitment of the jury members, donors, and artisans.
Key points
- The 18th edition of SIAO awarded a total of 42 prizes worth 36.5 million FCFA to artisans and exhibitors from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
- Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso were among the top winners in the Grand Prix du Président du Faso category.
- The SIAO Creativity Prize and other categories recognized innovations and excellence in various artisanal domains.
