Ouagadougou:The international seminar for the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Handicrafts Fair (SIAO) commenced with discussions on the synergies between African crafts and industrialization. Boubié Séraphin Badolo, representing the Minister in charge of Trade and Handicrafts, inaugurated the event in Ouagadougou with a focus on enhancing the value of local products and cultural heritage.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the two-day seminar, running from October 31 to November 1, 2026, aims to facilitate exchanges on integrating the craft and industrial sectors to improve the promotion of local products and African cultural heritage. The event features discussions on four sub-themes, including the promotion of crafts within the context of the Popular Progressive Revolution in Burkina Faso, reconciling industrialization with African cultural identity, financing crafts, and exploring artificial intelligence in crafting.
Comrade Badolo expressed hope that the seminar's discussions would yield concrete proposals to enrich public policies and strengthen handicraft development strategies across various countries. The Director General of SIAO, Éric Bassolé, highlighted the innovative workshops and panels designed to enrich participant discussions, emphasizing the high quality of the speakers.
The Director General of Crafts, Lydie Zongo/Sanon, delivered the inaugural communication on the central theme, underscoring the significant contribution of crafts and industry to the Burkinabe economy. She noted that crafts contribute 30% to the GDP and employ around 30% of the workforce, while industry accounts for nearly 33% of the GDP. Zongo/Sanon also outlined achievements such as the widespread adoption of Faso Dan Fani in schools and public administration, and support for artisans in international fairs.
Despite these advancements, she acknowledged challenges such as insufficient stakeholder consultation and lack of modern equipment. To address these issues, she advocated for enhanced exchanges between artisans and manufacturers, promoting subcontracting agreements, and adapting training programs to business needs to bolster economic sovereignty in Burkina Faso.
The seminar's work will continue until November 1, 2026, in Ouagadougou.