Ouagadougou:The president of the organizing committee for the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO), Alassane Ouédraogo, announced during a press conference that the biennial event is expected to attract more than 800,000 visitors. The fair is scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 8, 2026, and will feature several major innovations.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Ouédraogo revealed that the fair will also host over 6,000 exhibitors and construct 800 booths. The event aims to gather at least 30 countries and more than 100 professional buyers from five continents. Additionally, it will mobilize at least 350 journalists from 50 national and international media outlets.

Innovations for this edition include air conditioning in all pavilions, increased entrance and exit gates, and the introduction of "i points" to assist visitors and centralize exhibitors' concerns. A "Village of the guest country of honour" will be established, along with thematic workshops at the Ouagadougou Craft Village to enhance the promotion of craft trades.

The organizing committee also announced various awards, including the Grand Prize of the President of Faso and the Thomas Sankara Creativity Prize. Under the high patronage of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the event's theme is "African crafts and industrialization what synergy for a better organization and promotion of local products and cultural heritage."

Throughout the ten-day event, attendees can expect exhibitions, sales, competitions, business meetings, and cultural activities. Sporting events like a cycling race and a cross-country race are also on the agenda. Ghana is the guest country of honour, with Mali and Niger as special guest countries.