AES Confederation: SIAO 2024, an ideal framework for integrating and promoting the AES craft industry

For the 17th consecutive year, the “Salon International de l’Artisanat de Ouagadougou” (SIAO) officially opened its doors on Friday, October 25, in the presence of Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

Over the next ten days, visitors will engage in exhibitions, business transactions, sales, and networking centered around artisanal products from across the globe.

This year’s edition showcases artisanal goods from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) region, a focus set by the member countries of the AES Confederation to promote the creative talents of artisans from the Liptako-Gourma area.

Special guests, including delegations from Mali and Niger led by their respective ministers of crafts, underscore the event’s spirit of regional collaboration.

In addition, a special “AES Village” has been established for the 2024 SIAO, offering artisans a platform to highlight their creations and giving visitors the chance to explore the diverse artistic expressions of the AES region.

The AES Village symbolizes the strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity uniting the people in this part of Africa.

At a time when regional integration and collective efforts are critical to development and well-being, these solidarity initiatives are accelerating the existing momentum toward shared progress.

Beyond security and diplomacy, the AES Confederation is committed to the economic and social advancement of its member countries, working on joint projects and programs to fulfill this vision and improve the lives of its citizens.

Papa IBRAHIMA