Burkina Faso will host more than 6,000 exhibitors from 30 countries for the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO), scheduled for October 30 to November 8.
Organisers expect about 800,000 visitors, 350 journalists and more than 100 buyers at the event, which promotes African craftsmanship and expands market access for local artisans.
This year’s theme focuses on strengthening links between African crafts and industrialisation to improve the production, promotion and marketing of local goods and cultural heritage.
Ghana will be the guest country of honour, while Mali and Niger will participate as special guests.
The programme includes exhibitions, sales, business meetings, craft competitions, a creativity contest and seminars and workshops focused on the sector’s development.
The fair aims to strengthen the contribution of African crafts to industrial development by encouraging the transformation of local resources, preserving cultural heritage and helping artisans reach wider markets.
