Cameroon’s 9th International Handicraft Fair (SIARC 2026) has officially kicked off at the National Museum in Yaoundé, bringing together artisans, entrepreneurs, designers, exhibitors, and craft enthusiasts from across the country and beyond.
The event was officially launched on Monday, July 27, 2026, by Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, in the presence of government officials, business leaders, and key stakeholders in the handicrafts sector.
Opening the exhibition, PM Dion Ngute saluted the diversity of Cameroon’s rich culture and artistic talent.
Organized by the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts (MINPMEESA), this year’s fair runs from July 27 to August 5, 2026, under the theme: “Between Tradition and Modernity: How Can We Foster Innovation in Handicrafts?”
The fair aims to showcase Cameroon’s rich cultural heritage while promoting creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the modernization of the handicrafts industry.
The faire has also brought together artisans, designers, business professionals and craft enthusiasts from Cameroon and abroad to discuss the modernization of the handicrafts sector while creating new market opportunities for producers.
Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire are participating as guest countries of honor. Their presence accordingly has enriched the program through exhibitions, cultural exchanges and discussions showcasing the diversity of African craftsmanship and artisanal traditions.
SIARC 2026 features exhibition and sales stands, national heritage days, dedicated sessions for the guest countries of honor, thematic conferences, professional training workshops, competitions recognizing outstanding artisans, business meetings and cultural performances.
Beyond its cultural dimension, the fair is intended to serve as a business platform linking producers, buyers, entrepreneurs and institutions across the handicrafts value chain. Business-to-business meetings and networking sessions are expected to facilitate partnerships, improve market access and promote locally made products.
The program also includes economic conferences and practical workshops on innovation, production techniques and the competitiveness of artisanal enterprises, with the aim of supporting small-scale producers and strengthening the sector’s contribution to economic activity.
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