The 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Craft Fair (SIAO) celebrated Mali and Niger as special guest countries on November 4, 2026. The event was presided over by Alassane Ouédraogo, Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Craftsmanship. The ceremony featured artistic performances, gastronomic discoveries, and exchanges of gifts between delegations. The celebration showcased the strong fraternity between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The event was attended by several diplomatic personalities, including representatives from the Ghanaian and Congolese embassies in Burkina Faso. The festivities were animated by the Imûhars troupe from Niger and the Bazani Théra troupe from Mali, with traditional dishes from both countries. The celebration highlighted the rich cultural heritage of Mali and Niger.
Representing the Minister of Craftsmanship, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, Alassane Ouédraogo praised the participation of Malian and Nigerien delegations. He emphasized that their presence demonstrates the excellent diplomatic, economic, cultural, and fraternal relations between the three countries of the Sahel States Confederation (AES). Ouédraogo expressed his ambition to create a genuine artisan cooperation space within the AES.
Ouédraogo called for translating the fraternity between the three countries into concrete achievements for the benefit of their populations. He emphasized the need for artisans to work together, value their complementarities, and collectively conquer markets. The Secretary General's remarks underscored the importance of regional cooperation in the craft sector.
The Ambassador of Mali to Burkina Faso, Issouf Oumar Maïga, spoke on behalf of the Malian authorities. He highlighted the strategic importance of the meeting and presented the AES as a socio-economic integration project and a space for sovereignty and interdependence. Maïga emphasized the need to articulate traditional craftsmanship, local transformation, and industrialization.
Maïga also advocated for better access to financing for young creators and women artisans, as well as the promotion of public procurement in favor of local products. The Ambassador's remarks reflected the Malian government's commitment to supporting the craft sector. The SIAO celebration provided a platform for Mali and Niger to showcase their rich artisanal heritage.
The Chargée d'Affaires of the Nigerien Embassy in Burkina Faso, Salifou Koubra, expressed her gratitude to the host country for the distinction and warm welcome extended to her delegation. She indicated that Niger participated in the event with 200 artists and 54 stands, demonstrating its willingness to showcase the diversity of its artisanal heritage. The Nigerien delegation's participation was a testament to the strong ties between Niger and Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The 18th edition of SIAO celebrated Mali and Niger as special guest countries, highlighting the fraternity between Sahel region countries.
- The event featured artistic performances, gastronomic discoveries, and exchanges of gifts between delegations.
- The celebration underscored the importance of regional cooperation in the craft sector and the need for artisans to work together.
