Burkina Faso's capital is preparing for one of West Africa's largest gatherings of makers. The 18th Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) takes place from 30 October to 8 November 2026.
Created in 1988 and held every two years, the fair brings together weavers, leatherworkers, metalworkers, potters and designers. This edition's theme links African craft and industrialisation, asking how the two can work together to better organise and promote local products and cultural heritage.
The scale is considerable. Organisers announce more than 700 stands and more than 3,500 exhibitors, with at least 30 countries taking part and around 450,000 visitors expected. More than 50 professional buyers from five continents are also due.
Several changes are planned: air-conditioned pavilions, the launch of an online platform called e-SIAO, thematic workshops and a new village for the guest-of-honour country. The neighbouring Village Artisanal de Ouagadougou will also be used to ease crowds.
The fair is led by its director general, Eric Bassolé. The guest-of-honour country has not yet been publicly confirmed.
