Ouagadougou:Women's cooperatives from the host communities of Endeavour Mining in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal are showcasing their products at the 18th edition of the Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO), with support from the Endeavour Foundation aimed at creating new business opportunities for them.

According to Agence d'Information du Burkina, the exhibitors are gathered at a single stand to present a variety of artisanal and agro-food products that highlight the skills of women from Houndé and Mana in Burkina Faso, Lafigué in Côte d'Ivoire, and Sabodala-Massawa in Senegal.

In Burkina Faso, the SEBAPANI cooperative from Koho is displaying hand-dyed Koko Dunda cloths, while SCOOPS SOUGRINOOMA is showcasing traditional woven cloths. GNONGONDÈME, a group of 93 women from Yona, specializes in transforming shea nuts into butter and soap. Meanwhile, the Somona group, with 18 women, produces soumbala from néré seeds.

Odette Ouédraogo, representing these groups, praised the Endeavour Foundation for its support through advice and microcredits, which have strengthened their activities. She expressed hope for the continuation of this support.

Another exhibitor from Burkina Faso, Oumarou Ouédraogo of VDPA Agricole, is transforming local rice into couscous sold under the brand "Albarka," promoting local products with the slogan "Mon assiette, ma fierté."

In Côte d'Ivoire, the ADJA-SOKOROGO cooperative in Dabakala offers peanut and cashew butter and roasted cashew nuts. Guédé Natacha, its representative, highlighted the benefits of training and establishing a processing unit that enabled them to sell processed products instead of raw materials.

In Senegal, the GIE MUSO WAKILO of Sabodala is participating in the SIAO for the first time. Led by Rokhaya Camara, they are displaying local cereals like millet and maize, and processed products such as coconut-ginger granola. This all-women group of 24 members has received training in cereal production, hygiene, and financial literacy, and has tripled its turnover.

Established in 2021, the Endeavour Foundation has supported the participation of women's cooperatives at SIAO since 2024, aiming to promote local craftsmanship, facilitate access to new markets, and contribute to the economic empowerment of these producers. Beyond commercial opportunities at the fair, the event allows cooperatives to showcase their products, connect with potential clients, and develop new business prospects.

Source Agence d'Information du Burkina