Craft Fair activities are in full swing

Brazzaville hosts the Congo International Crafts Fair, an event that showcases a rich array of local and international crafts.

Since August 12, Brazzaville, the capital of Congo, has hosted a major event: the second International Crafts Fair of Congo (Fiac). This conference, which will last until August 25, is more than just a simple exhibition. It is a real melting pot that provides cultural exchange, sharing of expertise and business opportunities for artisans from all over the world. Congo and beyond.

Local talents attract attention

Among the exhibitors, Sidonie Andzemou is a 60-year-old man who comes directly from the Likouala region in the north. Congoattracted attention with her richly furnished stand. Accompanied by four other artisans, she highlighted local expertise in various fields such as sewing, weaving, basketry and wooden furniture. However, the way to achieve this goal Brazzaville But it’s not without its pitfalls, as some of their items are still in transit due to access difficulties.

The FIA ​​is not just a local event. Craftsmen from other African countries, such as Chadalso in attendance. Chantal Matteul represented Chad, showcasing hand-dyed fabrics and hair products made from chébé and shea butter, testament to the richness and diversity of the continent’s artisanal traditions.

Crafts face conservation and financing challenges

Despite the palpable enthusiasm, the challenges facing the craft sector are not insignificant. Jacqueline Lydia Mikolo, Congo’s Minister in charge of crafts, stressed the importance of protecting handicrafts through intellectual property rights and finding solutions to finance this important sector. “We must amplify artistic crafts as well as service and production crafts,” she affirmed, insisting that these challenges need to be addressed in order to guarantee the sustainability and recognition of Congolese craftsmanship worldwide.