From July 27 to August 5, 2026, Yaoundé’s National Museum is hosting the 9th edition of the Salon International de l’Artisanat du Cameroun (SIARC 2026), where more than 600 artisans from Cameroon and several African countries are showcasing their creations. Over ten days, the exhibition highlights the transformation of craftsmanship from a cultural heritage sector into a driver of innovation, employment and economic diversification.
Yaoundé’s National Museum has become a hub for Africa’s artisanal creativity as the 9th edition of the Salon International de l’Artisanat du Cameroun (SIARC 2026) brings together more than 600 artisans from Cameroon and several African countries. Held from 27 July to 5 August 2026, the exhibition is showcasing how craftsmanship is moving beyond cultural preservation to a driver of innovation, employment and economic diversification. From woodwork and textiles to leather, jewellery, clothing and agro-processing, SIARC 2026 is promoting professionalisation through training, certification, standardisation and digitalisation to help artisans access wider markets. With the sector mobilising nearly 60% of the active population, according to government data, authorities are working to strengthen professionalisation, digitalisation and market access for artisans.
“Craftsmanship cannot be reduced to subsistence activities or the reproduction of techniques inherited from the past. It constitutes a space of creation, production and innovation, while contributing to the preservation of our heritage, the transmission of knowledge and the diversification of our economies. Conscious of these issues, the Cameroonian government under the high patronage of his excellency, Paul Biya, President of the Republic intends to make artisanal a major instrument in the structural transformation of our economy, the creation of wealth and employment, as well as promotion of inclusive growth ”
Joseph Dion Ngute, Prime Minister – Cameroon
Across Africa, craftsmanship is emerging as a key economic sector, covering more than 200 trades including textiles, pottery, jewellery, metallurgy and agro-processing. Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Commerce, Industry and Crafts, Konaté Kalil, highlighted the need to combine tradition with innovation, noting that the sector contributes between 20% and 35% of GDP in several African countries when its informal dimension is included, while supporting employment, poverty reduction and economic transformation..
“Tradition and modernity complement each other.”Tradition gives our creations their identity, authenticity and soul. Modernity offers them new tools, new markets and new perspectives”.
Konaté Kalil, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Crafts – Côte d’Ivoire
With an estimated 35,000 visitors expected, SIARC 2026 aims to strengthen partnerships between artisans, investors, buyers and development actors. By promoting certification, innovation and access to markets, the exhibition reflects a broader ambition to transform craftsmanship into a competitive economic sector while preserving the cultural identity that defines Africa’s creative heritage.
