OUAGADOUGOU: A workshop-seminar on youth entrepreneurship in the craft sector was held in Ouagadougou on Monday, as part of the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO). The event, chaired by Technical Advisor Alassane Ouédraogo on behalf of the Minister in charge of Handicrafts, Serge Poda, focused on the theme “African crafts, youth entrepreneurship and empowerment.”
According to Burkina Information Agency, Alassane Ouédraogo, who also chairs the SIAO board of directors, emphasized the need for greater investment in craft trades for young people. He noted that the current level of investment falls short of the sector’s potential and the objectives set by public authorities. Ouédraogo called for the identification of specific actions to promote youth entrepreneurship, including providing substantial technical, intangible, and financial resources, to enhance young people’s involvement in various craft professions and secure their economic and social independence.
Loé Adama Traoré, Se
cretary General of the Ministry in charge of employment, presented an inaugural communication on the theme, highlighting the job-creating potential of the craft sector. He stated that crafts employ nearly 30% of the workforce and contribute almost 30% to the GDP, with over 350 professions available for training young people. However, Traoré pointed out challenges such as the inaccessibility of training and funding as barriers preventing young people from fully capitalizing on these opportunities.
The workshop-seminar, running over three days, will delve into two sub-themes. The first focuses on training in craft trades as a tool for youth empowerment in Africa, while the second examines the limiting factors in youth entrepreneurship within the craft sector, alongside challenges and future prospects.
The 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO), which started on October 25, 2024, will continue until November 3, 2024, in the capital of Burkina Faso.
