On November 4, 2026, the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Artisanal Craft Fair (SIAO) dedicated a special day to Mali and Niger, special guests of the event. The ceremony brought together representatives of the authorities of the three countries, institutional officials, artisans, and exhibitors around a common objective: to make craftsmanship a lever for cooperation, economic development, and rapprochement between Sahelian peoples.
The celebration was an opportunity to reaffirm the historical, cultural, and fraternal ties between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, while highlighting the potential of their respective artisanal sectors. Alassane Ouédraogo, Secretary General of the Burkinabè Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Craft, welcomed the Malian and Nigerien delegations on behalf of the Burkinabè government and people, praising their participation in the event.
Ouédraogo emphasized that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are not just neighboring countries, but three peoples linked by a common history, traditions, and values of solidarity. He called for concrete appropriation of the vision of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) by populations and economic actors, particularly through commercial exchanges and partnerships between artisans.
The event highlighted the strategic role of craftsmanship in building a more integrated Sahelian economic space. The Secretary General of the Burkinabè Ministry of Craft recalled that the three countries have an exceptional artisanal heritage, characterized by the diversity of their productions and the originality of their know-how.
Malian Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Issouf Oumar Maïga, stressed the need to strengthen synergies between major artisanal events in the three countries, citing complementarities between the Malian International Artisanal Craft Fair (SIAMA), the Nigerien International Artisanal Craft Fair for Women (SAFEM), and SIAO.
Niger's Chargée d'Affaires in Burkina Faso, Salifou Koubra, expressed her country's gratitude for the invitation and warm welcome, highlighting the strong mobilization of Nigerien artisans, with 200 participants and 54 stands, showcasing the richness and diversity of Nigerien heritage.
The celebration demonstrated the importance of craftsmanship as a lever for cooperation and economic development in the Sahel region, with a focus on promoting local products, valuing know-how, and creating jobs for young people.
Key points
- The 18th edition of SIAO highlighted the strategic role of craftsmanship in building a more integrated Sahelian economic space.
- Mali and Niger showcased their artisanal heritage, with 200 Nigerien artisans and 54 stands participating in the event.
- The celebration aimed to strengthen economic, cultural, and professional exchanges between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
