OUAGADOUGOU: Burkina Faso inaugurated the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) on Friday, emphasizing the vital role of crafts in Africa’s economy. The fair, which serves as a platform to showcase the diversity of African crafts, will run for a week, drawing participants from across the continent and beyond. The event underscores the sector’s contribution of over 20% to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) and its provision of employment to over 60 million people, primarily youths.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister in charge of Crafts, Serge Poda, delivered a speech on behalf of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, at the opening ceremony. He highlighted the crucial role of crafts as a source of income and a lever for growth and poverty alleviation. However, Poda noted that the sector faces significant challenges due to the security crisis affecting the sub-region, which has disrupted socio-economic fundamentals and impacted the crafts industry through p
opulation displacement and reduced marketing opportunities.
Despite the ongoing security challenges, Poda commended Burkina Faso’s ability to bring together international delegations to celebrate African crafts. He credited the country’s fighting forces for maintaining the necessary security to host the event, which also aims to address issues such as access to financing, international markets, and professional training for artisans. The minister acknowledged the special guest countries, Mali and Niger, for their participation in the fair.
Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, the president of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT), expressed gratitude to the Burkinabe people and the government for their resilience in the face of adversity. He emphasized the significance of crafts in the structural transformation of Burkina Faso’s economy and called for increased support for the sector. The 17th edition of SIAO, themed “African crafts, youth entrepreneurship and empowerment,” will run from October 25 to November 3, 20
24, in Ouagadougou.
Source: Burkina Information Agency