The 18th edition of the Salon international de l'artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) has brought together artisans from across West Africa. Exposants from Niger, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ghana have traveled several kilometers to participate in the event. According to their countries of origin, the journey took between one and three days. The long trips involved transportation by bus, border crossings, and transportation of goods.
For these artisans, participating in SIAO begins long before setting up their stands. Souleymane Mohamed Zenouba, a Nigerien national, traveled for two days to reach Ouagadougou. She reported that the journey was smooth, with improved circulation conditions for exposants. In previous editions, difficulties were encountered, but this year, the acquisition of the AES card facilitated their passage. "We came like Burkinabè," she explained, satisfied that no particular difficulties were encountered.
The AES card also facilitated border formalities for exposants this year. Zenouba highlighted that SIAO is more than just a sales space; it's an opportunity to discover other skills, get inspiration, and broaden horizons. "It's not a fair; it's a discovery. You'll discover many things, you'll motivate yourself, and you'll open your mind," she invited other artisans to come and discover the salon.
Halimatou, from Mali, spent three days traveling to Ouagadougou. A regular at the event, she has been participating in SIAO for about twenty years. On her stand, she exhibits wousouna, beads, and other artisanal products. Her participation allows her to find a space to valorize skills and meet exposants from different horizons.
Léomy Yéboué, from Côte d'Ivoire, completed the journey in a single day. She appreciated the travel conditions, describing them as "very good." She particularly noted the smooth border crossing with Burkina Faso, where she encountered no difficulties. On her stand, she presents jewelry and various accessories.
The Ghanaian contingent, including Issouf Compaoré, also traveled for two days to reach Ouagadougou. As the guest of honor at this 18th edition, Ghana is represented by several exposants. Compaoré exhibits various artisanal items, including baskets, fans, leather shoes, and beach sandals. He also offers baskets for the deceased.
For these exposants, SIAO is more than just sales; it's an occasion for encounters, discoveries, and sharing between African artisans. The event provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and products, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. The participation of artisans from various West African countries highlights the importance of SIAO in promoting regional cooperation and artisanal development.
Key points
- Exposants from West Africa face long journeys to attend SIAO 2026 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- The acquisition of the AES card facilitated border formalities for exposants this year.
- SIAO provides a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and products, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
