Yaounde: Cameroon Int’l Handicrafts Exhibition opens today.

The information was disclosed in Yaounde on July 23, by the Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, MINPMEESA, Achille Bassilekin III. 

The minister said the theme addresses the current challenges facing the development of Cameroonian craft industry, which is grappling with changing markets and the need to preserve traditional skills whilst incorporating technological innovations, contemporary design and new marketing methods.

“…it reflects our deep conviction that the future of handicrafts in Cameroon lies in its ability both to preserve its roots while innovating and to protect its authenticity while breaking into new markets,” he said. 

Minister Bassilekin III said through this edition, the government aims at positioning the craft sector as a genuine driver of wealth creation, job creation and structural transformation of the economy, in line with the guidelines of the National Development Strategy, NDS 2020-2030.

He said SIARC 2026 is to promote and stimulate innovation in Cameroon's craft sector by creating a platform for exchange between traditional skills and contemporary influences, with a view to improving competitiveness, sustainability and access for craft products to national and international markets.

He said it is also a platform to raise the profile of Cameroonian and foreign crafts people; promote innovation in the sector by showcasing traditional techniques enriched by design and modern technologies.

The minister also mentioned building crafts people's capacities in innovation, design, marketing, processing, digitisation and commercialisation; encouraging experience sharing between craftspeople, researchers, investors, professional buyers and institutions; and celebrating Cameroon's cultural diversity whilst providing a window onto handicraft best practices from Africa and the rest of the world.

He noted that this year’s SIARC will bring together over 600 national and international craftspeople, professional buyers, investors, training institutions, development support organizations, public and private bodies, technical and financial partners, and diplomatic missions amongst others.

Minister Bassilekin III added that several foreign delegations have been invited with two guest countries of honour; Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire. 

Two countries that have established themselves as leaders in the handicraft sector in West and North Africa. It should be recalled that Senegal and Tunisia were the guests of honour in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

He noted that SIARC 2026 will feature a range of activities, including conference-debates centrered on the main theme; a major exhibition and sale of craft products; training and capacity-building workshops; Heritage Days dedicated to exploring the cultural riches of the ten regions; an Innovation and Creativity Pavilion; a gastronomic area; cultural events; and, finally, a Formalisation Pavilion designed to raise craftspeople' awareness on the procedures for formalising their businesses, as well as the selection of and award to the best craftspeople.

The minister said SIARC will feature several major innovations, including training for craftspeople on the standardisation and certification processes for craft products, the opening of a SIARC 2026 souvenir shop, Heritage Days dedicated to exploring the cultural treasures of the exhibition, and the organisation of introductory workshops on craft trades for young people and vulnerable groups.

It should be recalled that in the run-up to this exhibition, 58 divisional fairs and 10 regional fairs were organized to select the best craftspeople who will represent Cameroon's various regions at this major international event.

Craft sector providing jobs

According to Minister Bassilekin III, Cameroon’s craft sector employs nearly 60% of the working force formally or informally. He said it is the major source of wealth and job creation, cultural heritage preservation and social inclusion in the promotion of entrepreneurship.

Minister Bassilekin III added that the government is working towards developing this sector by strengthening stakeholders structuring and enhancing the value and competitiveness of craft products with a view to increasing the sector's share of national wealth and creation and ensuring better living conditions and decent work for craft people.

The minister expressed the hope that at the end of the fair new commercial partnerships will emerge and flourish, new markets for Cameroonian craft products, and capacity building of craft people so that they can become more competitive.

He also mentioned that they are keen on increasing the integration of digital technology into the production. 

By Rakiya Abdoullahi & Nkfunchang Naomi: Journalism students on internship 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3860 of Monday July 27, 2026