Mali and Niger are the special guests of the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) during which the artisanal, tourist and cultural potential of the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States will be highlighted, according to the organizers of the event.

Throughout the 17th SIAO, scheduled from October 25 to November 3, 2024 under the theme “African crafts, youth entrepreneurship and empowerment”, the artisanal, tourist and cultural potential of the three countries of the Confederation of Sahel States will be highlighted in the presence of 3,500 exhibitors, 500 journalists and 50 buyers and professional visitors, according to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Crafts, Oumarou Barro.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Barro also indicated that 30 countries are expected at the fair, which plans to host exhibitors in 700 stands. 45 prizes will be awarded to talented artisans, he added.

A new digital platform “e-SIAO” was launched on September 4 to facilitat
e access for artisans, exhibitors and national and international participants to the reservation, rental and payment of stands.

“It also contributes to improving the quality of services offered to customers, by ensuring peace of mind and security of online payments” explained the Minister in charge of crafts, Serge G. Poda.

The 16th edition of SIAO took place from January 27 to February 5, 2023 under the theme: “African crafts, lever of development and factor of resilience of populations” and had recorded 360,223 general public visitors, 3,679 exhibitors and partners, 76 national and international media for 32 buyers and professional visitors.

Source: Burkina Information Agency