LONAB commits US$87,000 to Burkina Faso’s SIAO 2026
The national lottery will have space to promote and sell its products at a fair expected to attract more than 800,000 visitors.
Key takeaways:
- LONAB committed CFA50m to sponsor SIAO 2026.
- The sponsorship gives the national lottery space to promote and sell its products, including Faso Loto 5/90.
- Organisers expect more than 800,000 visitors and over 6,000 exhibitors at the Ouagadougou fair.
Burkina Faso.- Burkina Faso’s National Lottery (LONAB) has committed CFA50m (US$87,000) to sponsor the 18th International Artisan Fair of Ouagadougou (SIAO), using the partnership to strengthen its public visibility and promote its lottery products. The fair runs from October 30 to November 8.
The sponsorship agreement was signed on October 22 by LONAB director-general Ibrahim Harouna Zarani and SIAO director-general Éric Bassolé. Under the agreement, LONAB will receive space to promote and sell its products, including Faso Loto 5/90.
Zarani said the contribution reflected LONAB’s commitment to supporting the fair’s success, according to Sidwaya. He also highlighted SIAO’s role in creating jobs, generating income and promoting Burkina Faso’s cultural identity.
SIAO is a biennial trade fair held in Ouagadougou that brings together African artisans, buyers and other industry stakeholders to showcase handcrafted products and promote the continent’s cultural heritage. The 2026 edition is being held under the theme “African Craftsmanship and Industrialisation: What Synergy for Better Valorisation of Local Products and Cultural Heritage?”
Bassolé said the funding would help organisers address challenges associated with staging the event. He thanked LONAB for its continued support across several editions and called on other public and private organisations to contribute to the fair’s success, according to Sidwaya.
The sponsorship also aligns with LONAB’s revised 2023–2027 strategic plan, which includes a focus on socioeconomic development and initiatives that create value for the population.
According to Burkina Faso’s government information service, organisers expect more than 800,000 visitors and over 6,000 exhibitors. The fair is also expected to host more than 100 professional buyers and at least 350 journalists from national and international media outlets, with 800 stands planned.
