Ouagadougou:Artisans from across Africa are showcasing their skills at the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO), highlighting the richness and economic potential of African crafts. The event features four craftspeople from diverse backgrounds who share their experiences and advocate for greater recognition of local artisanal creations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, one of the artisans, Malgloire N'dassa from Congo-Brazzaville, is a sculptor who learned his craft from his father. Participating in SIAO for the first time, N'dassa has already won three international awards for his realistic and contemporary wood sculptures, which often depict lions, rhinoceroses, and elephants. He aims to secure lasting commercial partnerships and addresses the challenges artisans face in transporting creations across borders.
Binta Savadogo, a Burkinabe exhibitor and head of the company Faso Ri-Songo, specializes in agro-food processing. With years of experience supporting women's organizations, Savadogo promotes fruit and vegetable preservation techniques. Her company offers 28 products, including "Biyir-Bassi," a couscous made from three grains. She views SIAO as a crucial platform for artisans, having previously won an award in Kaya in 2022.
Mariama Idrissa from Nigeria combines various crafts, such as sewing, basketry, and leatherwork. At SIAO for the first time, she aims to showcase her diverse creations and seek business relationships. Idrissa, who won a first prize in Togo in 2025 for an innovative basket, highlights the difficulties of selling handcrafted products in Nigeria.
Daha Niassé, the national director of handicrafts in Mali, provides an institutional perspective, praising Burkinabe authorities' commitment to the sector. The Malian delegation is presenting leather goods, jewelry, Tuareg handicrafts, and traditional musical instruments. Niassé emphasizes the role of handicrafts in achieving economic sovereignty for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by encouraging countries to consume more of their own products.
The SIAO serves as a platform for promoting talent, professional networking, and building partnerships to advance African crafts.