Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Ghana discuss common craft standards
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lefaso.net and Burkina 24
Ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Ghana discussed common standards and labels to better organise and promote African crafts, according to Lefaso.net and Burkina 24. The meeting, held in Ouagadougou on the sidelines of the opening of SIAO, also covered product recognition and the preservation of skills, Burkina 24 reports.
Ministers responsible for crafts from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Ghana discussed common standards and labels to better organise and promote African handicrafts, according to Lefaso.net and Burkina 24. The meeting was held in Ouagadougou on the sidelines of the opening of the 18th Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO), on Friday 30 October 2026, Burkina 24 reports.
The discussions also covered the recognition and competitiveness of products, as well as the preservation of skills and cultural identities. Mali’s minister Mamou Daffé said the countries shared heritage and traditions, and that their craftspeople had worked together for a long time, according to Burkina 24.
SIAO runs from 30 October to 8 November 2026 under the theme of synergy between African crafts and industrialisation. The four countries intend to set strategic cooperation priorities for the next two years, Burkina 24 says.
