The European Union has provided the 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) with support of 130 million FCFA, which will, among other things, be used to support around twenty artisans from the 13 regions of Burkina Faso and to reward their original creations, according to a press release sent to the AIB on Thursday.
Burkina Faso News Agency
Full EU press release:
“The 17th edition of the Ouagadougou International Crafts Fair (SIAO) is being held in the Burkinabe capital from October 25 to November 3, 2024, under the theme “African crafts, youth entrepreneurship and empowerment”. The European Union is once again demonstrating its support for the development of the private sector and small and medium-sized enterprises in Burkina Faso. It has decided to support the 17th edition of SIAO with an envelope of 130 million CFA francs.
This envelope will be used to finance the costs inherent in the organization of the Show, to support the participation of artisans from different regions o
f Burkina Faso, to organize live workshops and to reward the best exhibitors.
Supporting the participation of regional artisans
The support of the European Union will make it possible to select around twenty artisans to participate in SIAO 2024. These artisans will be selected from all thirteen regions. On the sidelines of the exhibition, a special competition will be set up to promote the best artisanal creations from the regions. Each work recognized as being of excellent quality will receive a prize.
Promoting craft trades
The European Union envelope is also intended for the organisation of live workshops which aim to promote craft trades among young people looking for work, to demystify manufacturing processes and to reassure consumers about the authenticity and quality of craft products.
A marquee will be set up in the SIAO courtyard for this purpose. Three trades (weaving, leather and basketry) will be selected to promote Faso Danfani and the Saponé hat, two labeled products from Burkina Faso. Thre
e talented master craftsmen will be selected by the SIAO in each of the targeted fields to host the stands.
Rewarding deserving artisans
Finally, it is about supporting the organization of the Night of Meritorious Craftsmen. This important activity allows us to magnify the talent of creative craftsmen. All the winners of the official prizes and special prizes will receive trophies and diplomas of excellence.
Source: Burkina Information Agency