Iran Press/Africa: The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, his government, and the Ministers of Arts of Mali and Niger, both members of Burkina Faso of the Alliance of Sahelian States, and special guests of this 17th edition.
The Siao was created in 1984 by revolutionary President Thomas Sankara and aims to gather artisans from Africa and the world to celebrate their know-how. The 2024 edition is organized around the theme "African Crafts, Youth Entrepreneurship and Autonomy."
"As a key sector of the continent's economy, handicrafts contribute 20% to the Gross Domestic Product and employ 60 million people, with a majority of young people," Serge Poda, Burkina Faso's Minister of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts said, as he introduced President Traoré's speech.
However, the sector faces several challenges such as limited access to the international market and local problems such as insecurity and massive displacement of people in a region shaken by terrorism.
From October 25 to November 3, Ouagadougou will be the capital of African crafts. At least 30 countries and 350 thousand visitors are expected to participate.
Serge Poda, Burkina Faso Minister of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, said: “Despite a security context marked by terrorist attacks and several vain attempts to paint Burkina Faso red, the free and sovereign land of our country has once again succeded in bringing together delegations from Africa and beyond to celebrate the richness of African crafts. This success is the fruit of the unwavering resilience of the people of Burkina Faso, who remained united behind our armed forces. Their commitment, determination, and courage made it possible to inflict heavy losses on the enemy and maintain the necessary security for the organization of this event. The presence here today of delegates from many countries testifies to the international confidence and solidarity with Burkina Faso in its constant quest for genuine independence and sovereignty.”
Fatouma Sawadogo Maïga, exhibitor, and national coordinator of the ethical fashion initiative program in Burkina Faso and Benin In an interview with an Iran Press reporter in Burkina Faso, said: “Our goal is to connect local artisans from Burkina Faso and Benin to the international market. We introduced this equipment called the Indian spinning wheel and it allows them to spin organic cotton we use these organic cotton yarns to weave fabrics like Faso danfani and so on. Most of these fabrics are sold in the international market. Our participation aims to show our know-how in this new weaving technique and make more connections with the international market because it's an international exhibition. We are sure that we will find buyers for our fabrics and yarns.” 204
