The 2026 International Artisanal Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO) has announced the winners of its official prizes, recognizing several artisans and creators for the quality and originality of their work. The awards, which include the Grand Prix du Président du Faso, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Artisanal prize, and the Thomas Sankara pavilion creativity prize, aim to promote excellence, stimulate innovation, and value African and international artisanal know-how.
The evaluation process for the prizes was based on specific criteria for each award. The Grand Prix du Président du Faso, awarded to the top three country stands, considered factors such as stand presentation, decoration, product display, cleanliness, and maintenance. The quality, originality, and diversity of products, as well as professionalism, welcome, and promotional support, were also assessed.
Three artisans and communities were rewarded in different sectors. In textiles, Yonli Tenipagba won the best transformer prize for his 100% cotton FDS pagne, scoring 86 points out of 100. Tapsoba Aboubacar was recognized in the leather and skin sector for his "Souveraineté" collection, earning 81.8 points and a prize of 750,000 F CFA. Malado Waigalo was distinguished in the agro-food sector for her "Den Nutri Plus" infantile flour, scoring 83.8 points.
The Thomas Sankara creativity pavilion also awarded several creations. Patrice Bazongo won the third prize for his Lafinat complex cream and soap, scoring 80.4 points. H&Y Young Fashion received the second prize for its "Tenga mocassin Air" shoe, accompanied by a reward of 1.5 million F CFA. Tankoano Yembapou's "Fimbi" weaving machine was also recognized, scoring 87.4 points.
These distinctions aim to encourage artisans to improve the quality of their productions, renew their creations, and enhance their competitiveness. The recognition of awarded works promotes the artisanal sector and acknowledges the know-how of creators.
The Grand Prix du Président du Faso, which rewards the top three country stands, distinguished Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The evaluation considered stand presentation, product quality, originality, and diversity, as well as professionalism and welcome.
The SIAO 2026 prizes were announced on November 7, 2026, by Josué TIENDREBEOGO, reporting for Faso7. The awards reflect the fair's commitment to promoting artisanal excellence and stimulating innovation in the sector.
Key points
- The SIAO 2026 fair awarded prizes to artisans and creators for excellence in craftsmanship, promoting African and international artisanal know-how.
- The evaluation process for the prizes considered specific criteria, including product quality, originality, and professionalism.
- The fair recognized artisans from various sectors, including textiles, leather and skin, and agro-food.
