The 18th edition of the Salon international de l'artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) is set to kick off in three days, and the site is buzzing with activity as artisans, professional buyers, and visitors prepare for the event. Minister of Trade, Serge Poda, visited the site on October 27, 2026, to assess the progress of the preparations. He expressed confidence in the successful hosting of the event, which is under the high patronage of President Ibrahim Traoré.
According to Minister Poda, the preparations are about 90% complete, with teams working to finalize the remaining details before the official opening. The event will feature several innovations aimed at improving the exhibition and visit experience. These include the renovation and refurbishment of almost all the pavilions and buildings on the site. Notably, all stands in the pavilions will be air-conditioned, providing greater comfort for exhibitors and visitors.
A total of 700 to 750 air-conditioned stands will be set up in the five pavilions and the creativity pavilion. In addition, there will be outdoor stands, particularly in the Ouagadougou Artisanal Village, which has been integrated into the SIAO perimeter. These outdoor spaces will showcase specific artisanal products that cannot be displayed in air-conditioned stands due to infrastructure limitations.
The organizers have also prioritized improving the welcome and orientation of participants. Information points will be installed in each pavilion to provide guidance and answer questions from exhibitors, professional buyers, and visitors. This will enable them to navigate the site more easily and make the most of their experience.
Another innovation is the possibility of completing certain formalities online, such as purchasing entry tickets and badges. This digital system aims to reduce long queues and facilitate access to the site. The event is expected to attract around 800,000 visitors, including 500 to 600 professional buyers, and exhibitors from about 50 countries.
The SIAO plays a significant role in promoting Burkinabè and African craftsmanship, and the minister emphasized its importance in showcasing cultural heritage and artisanal know-how. The event is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the sector, with a strong focus on the participation of professional buyers and international visitors.
Key points
- Preparations for SIAO 2026 are 90% complete, with the event set to feature several innovations, including air-conditioned stands and online ticketing.
- The event aims to attract around 800,000 visitors, including 500 to 600 professional buyers, and exhibitors from about 50 countries.
- The SIAO plays a significant role in promoting Burkinabè and African craftsmanship, and is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the sector.
