Through a notable presence at the 4th edition of the Togo International Handicrafts Fair (MIATO), Burkina Faso is asserting a clear strategy of international outreach through culture and craftsmanship. As the guest of honor at this edition, Burkina Faso is placing its traditional expertise at the heart of a diplomacy of influence in West Africa.
Led by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Gilbert Pingdwendé Ouédraogo, a large delegation composed of government officials and artisans traveled to Lomé. This strong mobilization reflects a clear political will: to make culture a driver of development, regional dialogue, and the promotion of Burkinabe heritage.
MIATO 2025, a continental showcase for artisanal creation, offers a strategic platform for Burkinabe actors in the sector. Sales exhibitions, business meetings, and intercultural exchanges: the fair’s rich program offers Burkinabe participants increased visibility and opportunities for partnerships beyond national borders.
In a regional context where cooperation between Lomé and Ouagadougou has become a priority, Burkina Faso’s presence highlights the proactive cultural diplomacy of Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s government, where craftsmanship has also become a tool of influence. The official opening of the fair is scheduled for April 26 and will run until May 4 in Lomé.
