Omanghana
Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, will lead a national delegation to the 18th International Arts and Handicraft Trade Show in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The exhibition, known as SIA 2026, is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 8, 2026.
Ofosu-Adjare will participate as a guest speaker, with Ghana expected to use the international platform to promote its creative industries, support local artisans and strengthen cultural and commercial relations with Burkina Faso and other African countries.
Ghana’s participation will also focus on expanding regional trade under the Economic Community of West African States and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Preparations for the event followed a diplomatic meeting in Accra between the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and a delegation from Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to Ghana, David Kabre, led the visiting delegation. The team included Alassane Ouedraogo, Chief Director at Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Handicraft, and the Director General of the International Handicraft Fair of Ouagadougou.
The meeting focused on Ghana’s participation in the exhibition and wider efforts to improve bilateral trade, cultural cooperation and opportunities for businesses in both countries.
Ambassador Kabre commended Ofosu-Adjare for her contribution to strengthening commercial relations between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
He highlighted recent improvements in cross-border commodity trade, including the export of Ghanaian eggs to Burkina Faso and the reciprocal movement of tomatoes into the Ghanaian market.
The ambassador said such exchanges demonstrate the economic benefits that can be achieved when neighboring countries remove trade barriers and create stronger links between producers, traders and consumers.
Ofosu-Adjare described Ghana’s participation in SIA 2026 as important for micro-enterprises, artisans and businesses operating within the creative economy.
She noted that the exhibition would give Ghanaian producers an opportunity to display their products, establish business contacts and explore export markets within the West African subregion and across the continent.
Participation in the event is also expected to support efforts to address non-tariff barriers that continue to affect the movement of goods and services across regional borders.
Ghana will use the platform to explore joint ventures in handicrafts, textiles, cultural merchandise, creative industries and consumer goods.
The exhibition will further allow policymakers and business leaders to discuss measures for improving regional market integration and ensuring that artisans and small businesses benefit from opportunities created by the AfCFTA.
SIA is a biennial event that brings together artisans, creative entrepreneurs, traders, investors and government representatives from across Africa.
Participants showcase indigenous handicrafts, textiles, fashion products and other cultural goods while exploring opportunities for investment, partnerships and cross-border exports.
Ghana’s delegation is expected to promote the country’s traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage while seeking new commercial opportunities for local producers in regional and international markets.
Source: Omanghana
