Burkina Faso trade and government exhibitions

In late September 2026, Burkina Faso hosted the 16th edition of the International Tourism and Hotel Trade Fair (SITHO) in Ouagadougou. The event, themed ‘Financing structural projects: a lever for tourism development,’ featured over 500 exhibitors and approximately 18,000 visitors, emphasizing regional cooperation within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

From October 2 to October 9, 2026, the government launched a national exhibition at the International Handicraft Trade Fair Center (SIAO) as part of the 2026 National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Citizen Participation (JEPPC). Operating under the theme ‘Produce Burkinabè, consume Burkinabè,’ the event serves as a platform for the Progressive Popular Revolution (RPP) to showcase achievements and facilitate direct engagement between the administration and the public. Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo described the exhibition as “an exercise in accountability.” Practical services offered include mobile medical clinics and the issuance of national identity cards.

During the exposition, officials presented departmental milestones from the previous four years. Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré detailed a foreign policy centered on strengthening national sovereignty and diversifying international partnerships. Additionally, Minister of the Servants of the People Mathias Traoré reported that 20,854 positions were filled within the State public service between September 2022 and October 2026. He also highlighted administrative reforms, such as the creation of the General Inspection of Human Resources to ensure official accountability.

During the second phase of the JEPPC, Security Minister Mahamoudou Sana reported on increased territorial control and the recruitment of 3,000 police officers as part of ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré further addressed the country's diplomatic shift toward sovereignty, integration within the AES, and the restructuring of diplomatic relations, including the role of the diaspora.