The 18th edition of the International Handicraft Fair of Ouagadougou, SIAO, is set to open on October 30, 2026, in Burkina Faso. With just three days to go, the country's Minister of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, met with the National Organization Committee, on October 27, 2026, to assess the state of preparations. According to the minister, the preparations are 90% complete. The meeting aimed to identify any remaining challenges and find solutions to ensure the smooth running of the event.
The SIAO is a biennial event that showcases the best of Burkinabé and international handicrafts. This year's edition is expected to attract 800,000 visitors, including 600 professional buyers and 60,000 exhibitors. The event will feature various pavilions and buildings, which have undergone significant renovations. The minister announced that several innovations have been introduced to improve the experience of exhibitors and visitors. These include the installation of air conditioning in all exhibition stands and the creation of a digital platform, e-SIAO, for purchasing badges and tickets online.
The exhibition site has seen significant progress, with stands being set up and some artisans already transporting their products. The Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou, VAO, will host exhibition stands for the first time. Additionally, a "point I" system will be installed in each pavilion to provide information and orientation to exhibitors and visitors. The minister expressed confidence that the event will run smoothly, thanks to the efforts of the National Organization Committee and the various stakeholders involved.
The SIAO has become an essential platform for promoting Burkinabé handicrafts and culture. The event provides an opportunity for artisans to showcase their products and connect with potential buyers. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to supporting the development of the handicraft sector, which is a significant contributor to the country's economy. The SIAO also aims to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Burkina Faso and other countries.
The e-SIAO platform is one of the innovations introduced to facilitate access to the event. The platform allows visitors to purchase badges and tickets online, reducing the need for long queues at the entrance. The minister encouraged visitors to use the platform to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. The SIAO will feature a wide range of handicrafts, including textiles, woodcarvings, and jewelry.
The Burkinabé government has invested heavily in the renovation of the exhibition site, which includes the refurbishment of pavilions and buildings. The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and thanked the various stakeholders for their hard work. The SIAO is expected to generate significant revenue for the country, both through ticket sales and the sale of handicrafts.
As the event approaches, the city of Ouagadougou is buzzing with excitement. The SIAO is a major event that showcases the best of Burkinabé culture and handicrafts. With 90% of preparations complete, the minister is confident that the event will be a success. Visitors from all over the world are expected to attend, providing a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and economic growth.
Key points
- The 18th edition of the SIAO is expected to attract 800,000 visitors, including 600 professional buyers and 60,000 exhibitors.
- The preparations for the SIAO are 90% complete, with various innovations introduced to improve the experience of exhibitors and visitors.
- The event aims to promote Burkinabé handicrafts and culture, while generating significant revenue for the country.
