Yaounde: PM flags off int’l handicraft extravaganza in style, supports actors.

Many government ministers, top personalities, business figures, artisans, designers and craft enthusiasts lived the event. 

Among the distinguished guests were Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté; and Bahbou Abderrezak, Secretary General representing Algeria’s Minister of Industry and Handicrafts.

Following the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister, flanked by State officials, toured exhibition stands showcasing handicraft products from the ten Regions of the country; as well as those of guest countries such as Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire. 

During the guided visit, the PM received brief presentations from exhibitors and encouraged them in their trade. 

The fair, organised by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, MINPMEESA, is running under the theme: “Between Tradition and Modernity: How Can We Foster Innovation in Handicrafts?”. 

The event, which will continue until August 5, 2026, will provide the platform for exhibitions, exchanges and partnerships.

Focus on innovation, African craftsmanship

Speaking at the opening, the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III, said the fair continues to strengthen the visibility of African craftsmanship, while promoting innovation within the sector.

The minister noted that SIARC, which has held under the patronage of the Head of State, since its first edition in 2008, seeks to promote artisans and develop the handicraft industry.

He added that Yaounde has become a meeting point for African handicraft sector during the ten-day event, with more than 40,000 visitors expected.

“This edition offers an opportunity for exchanges, with experts from several African countries through the continental organisation for the promotion and development of African handicrafts. The presence of two guest countries of honour demonstrates the growing interest African nations are showing in SIARC and in Yaounde as a platform for celebrating creativity and craftsmanship,” Bassilekin III told reporters after the ceremony.

He further stated that experts and artisans from various African countries would take part in discussions aimed at promoting the development of the sector across the continent.

Côte d’Ivoire spotlights regional cooperation

Speaking to reporters, Ivorian Minister, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, commended the organisers and explained that Côte d’Ivoire is seeking to use the fair to strengthen cooperation and showcase its handicraft industry.

“SIARC is a fair rich in history and lessons. It helps strengthen cooperation among African states and maximise the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area. Handicrafts account for a significant share of employment across many African countries, making it essential to structure the sector to create more value, jobs and wealth,” Konaté said.

The Ivorian minister also invited visitors to participate in Côte d’Ivoire Day, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the National Museum.

Algeria takes centre stage

On his part, the representative of Algeria’s Minister of Industry and Handicrafts, Bahbou Abderrezak, expressed satisfaction with the reception accorded his delegation and praised the scale of the exhibition.

“I am delighted to be in Cameroon for this ninth edition of SIARC. We have seen remarkable work from artisans and a very large exhibition bringing together talents from different countries. Algeria has brought some of its certified artisans, and visitors will have the opportunity to discover the richness of our traditional crafts during Algeria Day,” Abderrezak said.

Ten days of exchange, exhibitions

MINPMEESA indicated that SIARC 2026 will feature exhibitions, cultural exchanges, networking opportunities and regional showcases throughout the ten-day programme.

The schedule includes Algeria Day on July 28, Côte d’Ivoire Day on July 29, and dedicated days for Cameroon’s Regions, before the closing ceremony on August 5, 2026.

Organisers say the fair aims to promote African craftsmanship, encourage innovation, strengthen partnerships and increase the visibility of locally made products while providing a platform for artisans from Cameroon and across the continent to showcase their skills and expertise.

By Naomi Nkfunchang, Journalism student on internship

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3862 of Wednesday July 29, 2026