The 13th edition of the International Women’s Handicraft Fair (SAFEM) officially began on Friday in Niamey, inaugurated by Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
This year’s event, featuring Burkina Faso, Mali, and Togo as guests of honor, aims to celebrate and promote the artistic craftsmanship of Nigerien women.
Running until December 15 at the Palais du 29-Juillet and the Academy of Martial Arts, the event showcases diverse handmade creations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Niger and the participating countries.
Promoting Female Artisanship
Soufiane Aghaïchata Guichene, Niger’s Minister of Handicrafts and Tourism, highlighted the fair’s role in advancing female artisanship.
“The fair emphasizes local production and prioritizes the development of sectors that can lay the foundation for industrial sovereignty in artisanal domains,” she said.
She added that the event seeks to foster the establishment of small-scale processing units for artisanal products across Niger’s regions.
SAFEM provides a professional platform for artisans to display their skills, gain market exposure, and connect with stakeholders in the handicraft sector.
The initiative also encourages economic independence among women, offering them avenues to enhance their earnings through entrepreneurship and trade.
A Vital Economic Sector
In Niger, handicrafts contribute a significant 23% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provide employment for over 600,000 people.
Observers note that SAFEM not only celebrates creativity but also strengthens economic resilience by creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
The fair’s inclusive and collaborative nature, with its regional partnerships, underscores the importance of women in driving artisanal innovation and preserving cultural traditions, further cementing its status as a landmark event in West Africa.
As the event unfolds, it continues to inspire optimism for empowering women and advancing the artisanal industry within Niger and beyond.
