Abidjan, July 28, 2026 – At the official launch of the 9th Cameroon International Handicrafts Fair (SIARC), where Côte d'Ivoire is the guest of honor alongside Algeria, the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Handicrafts, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté, shared the Ivorian model of handicrafts on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the National Museum in Yaoundé, highlighting its role as a genuine driver of economic development and regional cooperation.
According to the minister, in Côte d'Ivoire, handicrafts represent nearly 19.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making it the country's second-largest economic sector after agriculture. It generates thousands of jobs and holds a central position in the National Development Plan (PND), particularly through its third pillar dedicated to the structural transformation of the economy.
To strengthen this momentum, Ibrahim Kalil Konaté maintained, Ivorian authorities are pursuing several reforms aimed at further professionalizing the sector. These include reinforcing the capacities of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, establishing regulatory frameworks for artisanal trades, and officially registering thousands of artisans as part of a pilot phase.
The stated objective, he explained, is to enable artisans to fully make a living from their know-how, while enhancing their competitiveness on national and international markets.
"Tradition gives our creations their authenticity and soul; modernity opens up new markets for them," summarized the head of the Ivorian delegation, emphasizing a vision that reconciles cultural heritage and innovation.
For him, SIARC is a platform aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation: "SIARC goes far beyond the scope of a simple craft exhibition. It represents a strategic space for meetings, exchanges of experience, and building partnerships among African countries."
Furthermore, he invited visitors, business operators, and institutional partners to turn out in large numbers for Côte d'Ivoire Day, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, to discover the country's rich cultural, artistic, and artisanal heritage.