Bamako: Malian Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maiga, presided over the official opening ceremony of the 5th edition of the International Arts and Crafts Fair of Mali (SIAMA) at the Bamako Exhibition Center. The fair is held under the patronage of the President of the Transition, General Assimi Goita. The 2025 edition, which features Burkina Faso and Niger as guest countries of honor, emphasizes the creativity, resilience, and economic role of handicrafts in the Sahel region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Mali's Minister of Crafts, Culture, Hospitality, and Tourism, Mamou Daffe, welcomed delegations from 16 countries and described SIAMA as a gathering space for African creators' practices, techniques, and materials. He highlighted the 2025 edition as part of the Year of Culture declared by the Head of State and paid tribute to blacksmiths, the first symbolic caste in Malian history. The minister emphasized the importance of creativity, particularly among artisans, and noted the significant presence of delegations from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Morocco.
Burkinabe Minister in charge of Handicrafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, extended fraternal greetings from President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, to his Malian counterpart. He expressed gratitude for being the guest of honor, viewing it as a mark of friendship and fraternity between the Sahel peoples. Minister Poda invited visitors to explore Burkinabe stands featuring handicrafts, textiles, art, and food products.
In his address, Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maiga stated that the participation of delegations indicates that Mali is not isolated. He noted that handicrafts contribute significantly to the national GDP and employment. Maiga emphasized SIAMA's objectives to stimulate creativity, promote local consumption, and showcase traditional skills. He also highlighted a common strategy within the Confederation of Sahel States to enhance artisanal cooperation.
Following the opening, the Prime Minister led a guided tour of the stands with invited delegations, marking the start of the fair.