In this guide
This guide is for the operations lead, the export manager, or the independent exhibitor who needs to decide which Ouagadougou trade shows justify the freight cost and the days out of office. It is not a list of everything happening. It is a working brief on ten events where the logistics decision matters as much as the marketing one.
You will not find hotel recommendations or driving directions here. What you will find is a comparison of industries, audience profiles, and the practical questions to ask before you commit a pallet or a booth team to Ouagadougou. The city hosts everything from a 600-exhibitor general trade fair to a 100-exhibitor fashion week, and the logistics challenge scales with each.
Use this as a planning framework: match the event to your objective, budget for freight and setup, and prepare for a market where personal relationships and face-to-face contact still carry weight.
Ouagadougou Events and Exhibitions: What to Expect
| # | Event | Dates | Industry | Exhibitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SIAO – International Art and Craft Fair | October 28 – November 6, 2026 | Arts & Crafts | 500+ |
| 2 | Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou | October 28 – November 6, 2026 | Arts & Crafts | 500+ |
| 3 | Salon International de l'Agriculture et des Ressources Animales | March 15-24, 2027 | Agriculture | 400+ |
| 4 | FESPACO – Pan-African Film and Television Festival | February 25 – March 4, 2027 | Film & Media | 300+ |
| 5 | Burkina Faso Mining and Energy Conference | June 15-17, 2027 | Mining & Energy | 200+ |
| 6 | Ouagadougou International Book Fair | April 20-25, 2027 | Publishing | 150+ |
| 7 | Burkina Faso Fashion Week | November 10-12, 2026 | Fashion | 100+ |
| 8 | International Fair of Ouagadougou | September 1-10, 2026 (past edition) | General Trade | 600+ |
| 9 | Ouagadougou International Trade Fair | September 1-10, 2026 (past edition) | General Trade | 600+ |
| 10 | Burkina Faso International Trade Fair | September 1-10, 2026 (past edition) | General Trade | 600+ |
1. SIAO – International Art and Craft Fair
Artisanry showcase with 500 exhibitors
SIAO brings together artisans, cooperatives, and craft businesses from across the region. With 500 exhibitors, the scale is large enough to justify a dedicated booth, but the product categories are specific: textiles, metalwork, leather, and decorative arts. If your range fits, you will be comparing your offer against producers who know the local market intimately. The event runs for ten days, so plan for a staffing rota that covers long hours. Freight is mostly hand-carried or small-pallet, which simplifies customs but demands careful packing for fragile items. Expect a buyer audience that values provenance and story as much as price.
Best for: Craft exporters and cultural buyers
2. Salon International de l'Artisanat de Ouagadougou
Second art and craft fair, same dates
This event shares the same dates and industry as SIAO, which creates a scheduling conflict if you plan to exhibit at both. It is listed with 500 exhibitors and a similar mix of craft producers, including textile-focused names. The practical decision is to pick one and commit your logistics to it. If your product is textile-led, this may be the better fit; otherwise, compare the exhibitor lists to see where your closest competitors are. Because the dates overlap, you cannot split a booth team between the two. Choose based on the audience you want to reach and the organiser you can reach for setup rules.
Best for: Textile and craft suppliers
3. Salon International de l'Agriculture et des Ressources Animales
Agriculture and livestock trade gathering
This agriculture and animal resources show is the largest in its sector here, with 400 exhibitors. It attracts farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, and government agencies, so the conversation is often about practical adoption rather than pure sales. If you sell equipment, inputs, or services, expect questions about after-sales support and financing. The venue is not specified, so confirm the location before you book freight. Ten days is a long run; plan for a team that can rotate. For exhibitors, the main logistics issue is demonstrating equipment that may be bulky or require power. Clarify power availability and floor load limits with the organiser early.
Best for: Agribusiness and equipment suppliers
4. FESPACO – Pan-African Film and Television Festival
Pan-African film and TV festival
FESPACO is a film and television festival with 300 exhibitors, and it draws filmmakers, distributors, and cultural institutions. The exhibitor count suggests a trade component alongside screenings and industry sessions. If you are in production, distribution, or media technology, this is where you meet the people who commission and license content. Logistics for media exhibitors are lighter on freight but heavier on scheduling: meetings and screenings compete for time. Bring a small, high-impact stand and a clear meeting schedule. Confirm what AV equipment is provided and what you must ship. The event runs eight days, so book your team’s availability early.
Best for: Media companies and distributors
5. Burkina Faso Mining and Energy Conference
Mining and energy conference
With 200 exhibitors, this mining and energy conference is smaller than the consumer-facing fairs but targeted. Attendees include mining companies, energy providers, government agencies, and investors. The format is likely conference-led, so your booth is a meeting point rather than a product showcase. Freight heavy equipment only if you have a specific demonstration or a signed meeting. Otherwise, bring technical documentation and a senior person who can talk about compliance and project timelines. The three-day run keeps costs down for international exhibitors. Confirm the venue and whether there is outdoor space for large items before you commit.
Best for: Equipment and service providers
6. Ouagadougou International Book Fair
Publishing and education book fair
This book fair gathers 150 exhibitors, including local publishers, authors, bookstores, and educational institutions. It is a focused event for anyone in publishing, literacy, or education resources. The freight is manageable: books and printed materials are dense but easy to ship, and you can often carry samples. The six-day schedule allows for school visits and public browsing. If you are selling rights or seeking local distribution, book meetings in advance. The audience is likely to include teachers and librarians, so bring catalogues and clear pricing. Confirm whether there is a separate professional day or if all days are open to the public.
Best for: Publishers and educational suppliers
7. Burkina Faso Fashion Week
Fashion week with 100 exhibitors
Burkina Faso Fashion Week is the smallest event in this set, with 100 exhibitors, but it is also the most specialised. Designers, textile producers, and fashion media attend. If you are a brand or a supplier of fabrics and trims, this is a concentrated audience. The three-day format means you need a tight setup and a clear display: rails, mannequins, and lighting matter more than floor space. Freight is usually light but delicate; plan for garment bags and a steamer. The event is likely to have a strong local press presence, so prepare lookbooks and contact cards. Confirm load-in times and whether there is a shared changing area.
Best for: Fashion brands and textile buyers
8. International Fair of Ouagadougou
Large general trade fair, past edition
The International Fair of Ouagadougou is listed with 600 exhibitors, the highest count in this set, and covers general trade. The dates shown are for a past edition, so do not treat them as a forecast for a future event. Use the record as a benchmark for scale: this is the fair that attracts local businesses, international companies, government agencies, and NGOs. If you are considering a future edition, expect a broad audience and a need to stand out. Logistics for a fair of this size require early planning for freight and setup. Check with the organiser about recurrence before you build a budget around it.
Best for: Broad market testing
9. Ouagadougou International Trade Fair
General trade fair, past edition
This is another listing for a general trade fair with 600 exhibitors, same dates as the previous event. The record is for a past edition and does not confirm a future schedule. For planning purposes, it signals that Ouagadougou has hosted a large cross-sector fair. The exhibitor mix includes local and international businesses, government agencies, and trade associations. If you are evaluating whether a general fair fits your objectives, compare it with the sector-specific events here. General fairs can be efficient for testing multiple product lines, but they demand more effort to attract qualified visitors. Confirm details with the organiser before committing.
Best for: Cross-sector networking
10. Burkina Faso International Trade Fair
General trade fair, past edition
The third listing for a 600-exhibitor general trade fair shares the same dates as the others. It is a past edition, so the dates are historical. For a first-time exporter, a fair of this scale can be a useful orientation, but the record does not guarantee a repeat. Treat it as evidence that large general fairs have taken place in Ouagadougou. If you need a current event, look at the sector-specific shows with upcoming dates. For freight planning, a fair of this size requires booking space and logistics early. Contact the organiser to ask about future editions and venue details.
Best for: Market entry research
Event details reflect supplied records and have not been independently verified for this guide. Always confirm on the official event website before booking travel or stand space.
Exhibiting vs. Visiting: Which Makes Sense in Ouagadougou
Exhibiting at a Ouagadougou trade show is a commitment of freight, staff time, and stand build. Visiting is cheaper but you lose control over who you meet. The decision should follow from your objective.
Exhibit if you have a defined product for a specific audience and you can staff the stand for the full run. For example, a textile producer targeting West African buyers might find SIAO or the craft fair a better use of a booth than a general trade fair. Visit if you are researching the market, comparing competitors, or meeting existing partners. Visiting works well for the mining conference, where the programme may be more valuable than the exhibition floor.
- Exhibit when: you have a product to demonstrate, a clear buyer profile, and a team that can handle ten-hour days.
- Visit when: you need market intelligence, you are testing interest before committing freight, or your target list is small enough for meetings.
- Consider both: send one person to exhibit and another to visit other halls if the event is large enough.
Budget is the other factor. A small stand at a 100-exhibitor fashion week may cost less than a large stand at a 600-exhibitor general fair, but the latter may deliver broader exposure. Match the spend to the objective, not the exhibitor count alone.
Pre-Show Outreach for Ouagadougou Audiences
Pre-show outreach in Ouagadougou works best through direct, personal contact. Email blasts are easy to ignore. A phone call or a message through a local contact carries more weight.
Start with the exhibitor list if one is available. Identify the companies you want to meet and reach out at least three weeks before the event. For sector-specific events, the audience is smaller and more predictable. At the book fair, for example, you can target publishers and educational institutions. At the mining conference, target the project and procurement teams.
Prepare a short, specific message: who you are, what you are bringing, and what you want from the meeting. Avoid generic brochures. If you are exhibiting, invite your targets to a specific time at your stand. If you are visiting, request a 20-minute meeting.
Language matters. French is the working language for most business communication here. If you do not have French-speaking staff, arrange for a interpreter or a local partner to join calls.
- Build a target list of 20–30 organisations.
- Send a personalised email and follow with a call.
- Confirm meetings the week before the event.
- Keep a backup list for walk-up visitors.
Freight, Setup and Venue Rules in General Terms
Freight to Ouagadougou is usually by air for urgent items and by sea for larger consignments. Allow extra time for customs clearance. For trade shows, the organiser often provides a freight forwarder or a recommended agent; ask for the official logistics contact rather than using an unknown agent.
Venue rules vary and are not specified in the event records here. In general, expect to provide your own stand materials unless the organiser offers a shell scheme. Confirm what is included: floor space, walls, power, lighting, and furniture. For heavy equipment, ask about floor load limits and access for delivery vehicles.
Setup times are usually tight. Plan to arrive at least one day before the opening to handle delays. Bring basic tools, tape, and spare parts. If you are shipping by sea, allow several weeks and confirm the arrival deadline with the organiser.
| Item | Typical action |
|---|---|
| Small samples | Carry in luggage; keep receipts for customs. |
| Display stands | Ship by air or use local rental. |
| Heavy equipment | Confirm venue access and power; ship by sea early. |
| Printed materials | Print locally if possible to avoid freight. |
Always ask the organiser for the venue’s specific rules on deliveries, storage, and waste removal.
Food and Downtime Between Sessions in Ouagadougou
Trade shows are tiring. Ouagadougou’s heat means you need to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Most venues have food available, but quality and variety vary. The event records do not specify catering, so plan for a lunch break that takes you outside the venue if needed.
Use downtime for informal meetings. A shared meal is often more productive than a formal booth conversation. Ask your local contacts for nearby restaurants, or use a delivery app if you are short on time. Keep a bottle of water with you; dehydration is a real risk in the afternoon.
For exhibitors, schedule staff breaks so that no one is alone on the stand for too long. A tired team makes mistakes. If the event runs for ten days, as some here do, plan a rotation that gives everyone a day off.
- Carry cash for small purchases.
- Confirm opening hours of nearby food options.
- Keep snacks at the stand for quick energy.
- Use the quieter morning hours for setup and admin.
Downtime is also when you follow up on leads. Set aside 30 minutes each evening to update your CRM and send thank-you messages while the conversation is fresh.
FAQ: Ouagadougou Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Which Ouagadougou trade show is best for a first-time exhibitor?
It depends on your industry. For craft or textile products, SIAO or the Salon International de l'Artisanat are large but focused. For agriculture, the agriculture and animal resources show offers a targeted audience. A smaller event like the book fair or fashion week may be less overwhelming and cheaper to test. Consider your product and budget before choosing.
How do I ship booth materials to Ouagadougou?
Air freight is common for urgent items, while sea freight suits larger consignments. Allow extra time for customs clearance. Ask the event organiser for the recommended freight forwarder and confirm venue delivery rules. Keep an inventory and receipts for customs. For small samples, carrying them in luggage is often simplest.
What language is used at Ouagadougou trade shows?
French is the primary business language. Some exhibitors and visitors may speak English, but it is not guaranteed. If you do not have French-speaking staff, arrange for an interpreter or a local partner. Printed materials in French are more effective. Basic greetings in French are appreciated.
Are the dates for these events confirmed for 2027?
The dates listed are from the event data provided and have not been independently verified. Some events show upcoming dates, while others are past editions. Always confirm with the organiser before booking travel or freight. Treat every date as provisional until you have direct confirmation.
Your next step is to pick one event from the list that matches your product and audience, then contact the organiser to confirm dates, venue rules, and freight procedures. Do that before you book anything. Ouagadougou rewards preparation, and a clear logistics plan will save you time and money.