Niamey: The 4th edition of the Niger Cultural Industries Fair (FICNI) commenced in Niamey under the theme "What roles can cultural industries play in the rebuilding of the Republic?" The event, combined with the meeting of Ministers of Culture of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), was inaugurated by Colonel-Major Abdourahamane Amadou, Nigerien Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, representing Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. The opening ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Culture from Burkina Faso and Mali, Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo and Mamou Daff.
According to Burkina Information Agency, FICNI 2026 gathers a diverse group of participants from the cultural sector, including artists, creators, producers, publishers, filmmakers, stylists, and craftspeople. The fair aims to highlight Niger's cultural potential across various value chains such as books and publishing, fashion and design, cinema and audiovisual media, visual arts, music, and entertainment. The program features exhibitions dedicated to books, entertainment, film and audiovisual media, fashion and design, visual arts, and photography. Stands are also set up for support structures in the cultural sector, with scheduled conferences and performances by Nigerien artists.
Colonel-Major Abdourahamane Amadou remarked that the integration of FICNI with the AES Ministers of Culture meeting marks a crucial step in revisiting the strategic framework of the shared cultural policy, evaluating progress, and identifying barriers to implementing the action plan adopted in February 2025. He emphasized that culture is not merely a heritage to be preserved but also a dynamic force, a source of creativity, and a catalyst for economic and social development. He advocated for cultural professions as future-oriented careers and urged public and private institutions, as well as the general population, to support and consume Nigerien cultural products.
Malian Minister of Culture, Mamou Daff, representing the AES, conveyed the greetings of Burkinabe President Ibrahim Traor and Malian President Assimi Gota to the Nigerien authorities. He highlighted the strategic significance of cultural and creative industries in the Sahel's rebuilding efforts, focusing on enhancing endogenous resources, reinforcing cultural and economic sovereignty, and providing new opportunities for youth.
Major General Assoumane Abdou Harouna, Governor of the Niamey region, underscored the role of cultural industries in identity formation, socio-economic development, job creation, and social cohesion. The event saw attendance from members of the CNSP, government officials, and various guests. FICNI 2026 will run from September 14 to 18 at the Palais du 29 juillet in Niamey.