Ibrahim Traoré calls for craft production to be industrialised at SIAO
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sidwaya
Burkinabè President Ibrahim Traoré opened the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO) in Ouagadougou on 30 October, with the event scheduled to run until 8 November. He called on craftspeople to modernise their practices and move craft production towards industrialisation, according to Burkinabè daily Sidwaya.
Burkinabè President Ibrahim Traoré called for African craft production to be steered towards modernisation and industrialisation on Friday 30 October, at the opening of the 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Arts and Crafts Fair (SIAO). He said that developing metallurgy and steelmaking requires better mastery of artisanal know-how, according to the communication directorate of the presidency of Faso.
The fair is being held in Ouagadougou until 8 November 2026 under the theme of synergies between African craft production and industrialisation, with the aim of better organising and promoting local products. Ibrahim Traoré also urged craftspeople to develop their creativity and skills.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Crafts, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, presented craft production as a lever for sovereignty and the development of people working in the sector. Ghana, the guest of honour, is represented by its Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.
The call to industrialise craft production follows one made by Ibrahim Traoré on 5 October in favour of buying products made in Burkina Faso, as part of efforts to promote local production.
