Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou (SIAO) is a biennial event that highlights the richness of African craftsmanship. Scheduled from October 30 to November 8, 2026, at Site du SIAO, it will feature over 3,500 exhibitors and attract around 700,000 visitors.
This year's theme focuses on the synergy between African craftsmanship and industrialization, promoting local products and cultural heritage. SIAO 2026 takes place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: SIAO 2026 runs from October 30 to November 8, 2026, at Site du SIAO, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
- 2Scale and Focus: This biennial event is expected to attract over 700,000 visitors and 3,500 exhibitors showcasing African craftsmanship.
- 3Organiser: The event is organized by the SIAO team, with more details available at siao.bf.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include artisans, professional buyers, institutions, and the general public.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available online through the e-SIAO platform.
Why visit
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore thousands of unique artisan products, engage in cultural activities, and enjoy live performances. The event also offers a chance to meet artisans directly and purchase authentic crafts from across Africa. With a diverse range of exhibits, SIAO 2026 promises an enriching experience for all attendees, including workshops and demonstrations that showcase traditional skills.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at SIAO 2026 provides artisans and businesses with unparalleled visibility to over 700,000 visitors and access to professional buyers. The event facilitates direct sales and B2B meetings, enhancing networking opportunities and potential partnerships. Participants can showcase their products in a vibrant environment, benefiting from media coverage and promotional activities that highlight their craftsmanship.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
International craft and fair-trade buyers sourcing West African textiles, bronze, leather goods and basketry
Boutique, concept-store and homeware buyers from Europe, North America and Asia looking for handmade lines
Wholesale distributors and gallery buyers trading African art, sculpture and decorative objects
Import-export houses and trading companies that place volume orders with artisan cooperatives
Trade-promotion agencies, chambers of commerce and craft-development bodies scouting suppliers
Museum, heritage and design-institution curators commissioning or acquiring contemporary craft
NGO and social-enterprise procurers buying directly from artisan groups and women's cooperatives
Craft media, design journalists and diaspora visitors attending the public fair days
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Artisan cooperatives and workshops in textiles, bogolan, wax print, basketry and weaving
Bronze casters, metalworkers, sculptors and wood carvers from Ouagadougou and other Burkinabe craft centres
Leather goods and maroquinerie producers, including saddlery and footwear workshops
Jewellery makers working in silver, brass, leather and recycled materials
National pavilions and international delegations presenting country-specific craft traditions
Craft SMEs and export-ready businesses seeking wholesale buyers and distribution partners
Food and agro-craft producers presenting shea butter, spices, dried foods and traditional beverages
Suppliers of artisan inputs and services: raw materials, tools, packaging, freight and export documentation
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Textiles and clothing including woven fabrics and accessories
Bronze, wood, and metal crafts such as sculptures and decorative items
Leather goods including bags, shoes, and belts
Jewelry made from gold, silver, and recycled materials
Baskets and decorative items for home decor
Agro-food products and natural cosmetics
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Site du SIAO (Parc D'exposition du SIAO)
Site du SIAO
Avenue Tansoba Kiéma, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Facilities
Parking
Site du SIAO in Ouagadougou typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Site du SIAO in Ouagadougou typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Site du SIAO for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Why it matters
On 2026-10-30 to 2026-11-08, SIAO 2026 in Ouagadougou covering Textiles and clothing including woven fabrics and accessories, Bronze, wood, and metal crafts such as sculptures and dec gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · XOF
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Ouagadougou Airport (Aeroport international de Ouagadougou)
The main international gateway for the fair and the airport most SIAO visitors and delegations use. Arrange an airport pickup or agree the taxi fare before leaving the terminal
TBA
to venue
Approx. 10-20 minutes to central hotels depending on traffic; confirm with your hotel transfer
by car
Bobo-Dioulasso Airport
Domestic alternative in Burkina Faso's second city, useful only if you are combining the fair with a craft-centre visit in the west of the country. Confirm schedules and road conditions locally
TBA
to venue
A long road transfer of several hours; not practical for a short SIAO trip
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Laico Ouaga 2000
Upscale
Ouaga 2000 districtUSD 110–175 / night
Large business hotel used by delegations and institutional visitors; good choice if you need meeting space and reliable power. Fills quickly during SIAO, so reserve early.
Azalai Hotel Ouagadougou
Mid to upscale
Central OuagadougouUSD 85–140 / night
City-centre base within a short taxi ride of the Site du SIAO; convenient for buyers who want restaurants and banks nearby.
Hotel Independance
Mid-range, historic
Central OuagadougouUSD 60–105 / night
Long-established central property; ask for a renovated room and confirm current services directly, as facilities can vary by wing.
Independent mid-range hotel near the fairground corridor
Mid-range
Eastern Ouagadougou towards Site du SIAOUSD 50–90 / night
Representative tier rather than a specific property: staying east of the centre shortens the morning run to the fairground. Inspect the room and confirm air conditioning and generator backup before paying.
Guesthouse or small residence
Budget
City centre and suburbsUSD 30–60 / night
Common option for individual artisans and repeat exhibitors. Book by phone or through a local contact and confirm evening taxi availability before committing.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Bus (SOTRACO)
Estimated costXOF 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forSOTRACO city bus network to Site du SIAO
SOTRACO is Ouagadougou's public bus operator; its published line list and Moovit's SIAO stop page cover routes to the fairground. Schedules are limited and services stop early in the evening.
Taxi
Estimated costXOF typical taxi or rideshare to the venue district (confirm before travel)
Best forHotel or airport to Site du SIAO
Metered service is uncommon; agree the fare before departure. Taxis from the airport into the city are the most direct option from OUA.
Ride-hailing / trip comparison
Estimated costXOF typical taxi or rideshare to the venue district (confirm before travel)
Best forPoint-to-point within Ouagadougou
Faso Mobilite is a local service for comparing and booking trips in Ouagadougou; useful for fixed pricing to the SIAO grounds.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. XOF taxi/rideshare from OUA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forOuagadougou Airport (Aeroport international de Ouagadougou) (OUA) to Site du SIAO
Approx. 10-20 minutes to central hotels depending on traffic; confirm with your hotel transfer; The main international gateway for the fair and the airport most SIAO visitors and delegations use. Arrange an airport pickup or agree the taxi fare before leaving the terminal.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. XOF taxi/rideshare from BOY to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forBobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY) to Site du SIAO
A long road transfer of several hours; not practical for a short SIAO trip; Domestic alternative in Burkina Faso's second city, useful only if you are combining the fair with a craft-centre visit in the west of the country. Confirm schedules and road conditions locally.
Weather
SIAO runs at the end of the Sahel rainy season. Late October in Ouagadougou is still hot, with daytime highs commonly in the mid-30s Celsius and a sharp drop after sunset; by the second week of November conditions are drier and slightly less humid, with daytime highs around 35-38 C and overnight lows around 21-25 C. Rain is possible in late October but becomes unlikely as the fair progresses, and Harmattan dust haze can appear later in the dry season. Treat these as seasonal bands, not a forecast: check a short-range forecast in the week before travel. On the fairground, plan for sun exposure between halls, carry water, and schedule the longest walks for the morning.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Burkina Faso.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and greetings
French is the official language of Burkina Faso and Mooré is widely spoken in Ouagadougou. Greetings precede business: a handshake and a few words of greeting in French open conversations far better than going straight to price discussions. English is less common on artisan stands, so a French price list or a translator helps at SIAO.
Currency and cash
The local currency is the CFA franc (XOF), pegged to the euro. Card acceptance is patchy outside larger hotels, and ATMs can run out of cash or be offline, so carry a working cash float in XOF for taxis, meals and stall purchases, and keep a backup payment method in a different bag.
Bargaining and buying
Haggling is normal at market stalls and informal stands, but official SIAO exhibitor stands often quote fixed wholesale and retail prices. Ask whether the price is fixed before negotiating, buy samples openly and ask for a receipt when you need one for export or expense records.
Photography and artisan etiquette
Ask before photographing an artisan, a workshop demonstration or a finished piece, and expect some stands to decline. When photographing craft work for a catalogue or social media, ask for the maker's name and credit them; this is taken seriously in a sector built on authorship and heritage.
Heat, dress and pace
Expect hot, sunny days on an outdoor-leaning fairground with pavilions. Dress modestly and in light fabrics, carry water, and plan your longest hall-to-hall walks for the morning. Many business conversations slow or stop around midday prayer and lunch, so build a schedule that starts early.
Safety and local movement
Use taxis or app-booked cars after dark and agree the fare before departure, and avoid carrying large cash sums to the fairground. Check your government's current travel advisory for Burkina Faso before booking, register your trip with your embassy if that service exists, and follow organiser security instructions on site.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: OUA
Captured Google Flights search for New York JFK to Ouagadougou (OUA) departing 2026-10-30 returned 2 routings: Royal Air Maroc JFK-OUA via Casablanca (CMN), 24 hr 15 min total with 13 hr 50 min connection, at about XOF 781,016; and ITA/Ethiopian JFK-OUA with 3 stops via Rome (FCO), Addis Ababa (ADD) and Niamey (NIM), 37 hr 20 min, at about XOF 1,316,937. Prices are for 1 adult including taxes and fees, shown in XOF, and Google flagged fares as currently high. Long layovers mean most itineraries arrive 1-2 days after departure, so book to land before the 30 Oct opening and confirm baggage and visa rules with the airline.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Ouagadougou Airport (Aeroport international de Ouagadougou) (OUA): Approx. 10-20 minutes to central hotels depending on traffic; confirm with your hotel transfer; Bobo-Dioulasso Airport (BOY): A long road transfer of several hours; not practical for a short SIAO trip. Allow road or rail time to Site du SIAO; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Site du SIAO: Ouaga 2000 district: Laico Ouaga 2000; Central Ouagadougou: Azalai Hotel Ouagadougou; Central Ouagadougou: Hotel Independance.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Ouagadougou; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: SOTRACO operates Ouagadougou's public bus network, with a stop serving Site du SIAO listed on Moovit; check the SOTRACO line list for the route closest to your hotel. Buses are the low-cost option but do not run late, so combine them with taxis for evening returns.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Site du SIAO; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Late October to early November: daytime highs typically around 34-38 C, overnight lows around 21-25 C. Approximate seasonal bands only; check a short-range forecast before travel.
Seasonality: Ouagadougou's rainy season runs roughly June to October, with rainfall tapering off during the SIAO window; early November is normally dry, though late-October showers are still possible. Harmattan dust haze can appear later in the dry season.
Packing: Late October to early November: daytime highs typically around 34-38 C, overnight lows around 21-25 C. Approximate seasonal bands only; check a short-range forecast before travel. Ouagadougou's rainy season runs roughly June to October, with rainfall tapering off during the SIAO window; early Novemb
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at SIAO 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Confirm the SIAO 2026 dates (30 October to 8 November 2026) and opening hours for trade days versus public days on siao.bf before booking anything non-refundable.
T-14
Check the visa route for your nationality with the Burkina Faso embassy or consulate, and confirm whether you need a formal invitation letter from the organiser or a Burkinabe trade contact.
T-14
Verify yellow fever vaccination and carry the International Certificate of Vaccination; check any other recommended vaccinations with a travel clinic.
T-13
Book flights into Ouagadougou (OUA); long-haul itineraries usually connect through a West African or North African hub, so allow a full transit day.
T-12
Reserve a hotel in central Ouagadougou or towards Ouaga 2000, and confirm the property can arrange an airport pickup and a taxi to the Site du SIAO each morning.
T-10
Set a meeting budget and shortlist stands; identify the textile, bronze, leather and basketry exhibitors whose product ranges match your buying brief.
T-10
Arrange XOF cash or confirm card acceptance in Ouagadougou; ATMs can be unreliable, so do not plan to withdraw the whole trip budget on arrival.
T-7
Print or download your registration confirmation, passport copy, hotel booking and travel insurance, and store a second digital copy offline.
T-5
Check the weather outlook; late October and early November are hot, so plan light clothing, sun protection and a refillable water bottle.
T-3
Confirm your first-day transport to the fairground and the badge collection point; allow extra time for security screening at the gate.
T-2
Save the organiser contact and your embassy's local number in your phone, and note the taxi fare you agreed for the hotel-to-venue run.
T-1
Pack a printed list of target exhibitors and a light bag for catalogues and samples; confirm the next morning's pickup time with your hotel.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Site du SIAO
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2SIAO 2026 registration concourse
Site du SIAO
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Site du SIAO
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsF CFA 190
- Per diem × 2F CFA 150
Estimated totalF CFA 340
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether SIAO 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For SIAO 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Textiles and clothing including woven fabrics and accessories solutions and benchmarking suppliers at SIAO 2026 in Ouagadougou.
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Textiles and clothing including woven fabrics and accessories products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,250.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Ouagadougou show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is SIAO 2026 held?
SIAO 2026 runs from 30 October to 8 November 2026 at Site du SIAO (Parc d'exposition du SIAO) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
How do I get to Site du SIAO from Ouagadougou airport?
Fly into Ouagadougou Thomas Sankara International Airport (OUA) on Avenue de l'Aéroport, then take a taxi to the SIAO grounds. There is no metro or train; SOTRACO buses and trip-comparison apps such as Faso Mobilite are the alternatives.
Are tickets and visitor badges available online?
Yes - the official e-SIAO ticketing and badge portal (esiao.bf) is linked from the organiser's site alongside the siao.bf visitors page; check there for ticket types and registration steps.
Where can I park at SIAO?
Paid car parking is organised around Site du SIAO during the fair by local parking operators; confirm current prices and locations locally and arrive early on busy weekends.
Who should visit SIAO in Ouagadougou?
Artisans, craft wholesalers and importers, buyers for cultural institutions and concept stores, interior and fashion sourcing teams, and press covering African craft, design and heritage industries.
What is the local currency in Burkina Faso?
Burkina Faso uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). Budget flights from the US have been quoted in XOF - for example about XOF 781,016 for a JFK-OUA routing - so plan currency conversion before booking.
Glossary
- SIAO
- Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou, the Ouagadougou International Craft Fair, staged at the Site du SIAO in the Burkinabe capital and dedicated to African handicraft production and trade.
- Artisanat
- The French term for handicraft or the craft sector as a whole; at SIAO it covers work produced by hand or with hand tools in workshops and cooperatives rather than factory production.
- Pagne
- Printed or woven cloth sold by the length and used across West Africa for clothing and furnishings; wax-print pagne is one of the staple product families at the fair.
- Bogolan
- Mud cloth: cotton fabric decorated with fermented mud and plant dyes in geometric patterns, a recognised West African textile technique shown by several regional exhibitors.
- Lost-wax bronze casting (cire perdue)
- A casting method in which a wax model is encased in clay, the wax is melted out and molten metal is poured into the void; Ouagadougou's bronze workshops are known for small sculptures and jewellery made this way.
- Maroquinerie
- Leather goods and leatherwork; in the SIAO context it covers bags, sandals, belts, saddlery and small leather accessories made by workshop-based artisans.
- Calebasse
- The dried shell of the calabash gourd, carved, dyed or engraved into bowls, containers and musical instruments by craft producers across the Sahel.
- Kora
- A West African stringed instrument with a gourd resonator and 21 strings, played by griot musicians and also sold as an artisan instrument family at craft fairs.
- Batik
- A resist-dyeing technique in which wax is applied to cloth before dyeing; batik panels and garments are a common textile category alongside wax print.
- Cooperative (groupement artisanal)
- A producer group in which artisans pool materials, tools and sales; many SIAO stands are run by cooperatives rather than individual workshops.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- artisanat africain
- SIAO Burkina Faso
- SIAO 2026 Ouagadougou
- SIAO Ouagadougou 2026
- Ouagadougou Burkina Faso
- Leather, Footwear and Tanning Trade Fair Ouagadougou 2026
- Craftsmanship
- Cultural Heritage
- Leather, Footwear and Tanning Trade Fair Exhibition Ouagadougou
- Textiles and clothing including woven fabrics and accessories
Trust footer
Sources
3
References
1
Publishers
0
Date checked
1
SIAO
- official_website
- event_social
- official_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.