Salon International des Arts et Métiers - Made by Africans
SIAM AWALÉ 2026, Salon International des Arts et Métiers, is the founding edition of an international fair dedicated to the Cultural and Creative Industries. Three days in Cotonou, from 4 to 6 December 2026, built around three pillars: Radical Sustainability, Ethics in Action and Creative Innovation. This first edition opens with textiles and ready-to-wear, supported by design and visual arts, music and culinary arts. Targets: more than 100 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, 20 designers at the Grand Défilé, 3,000 visitors including 750 professionals and international buyers. Eco-responsible and ethical specifications: local, natural and organic materials (Kanvô, batik, indigo, plant dyes), 80 % eco-responsible collections on the runway, fair remuneration for the artisans.
Three days to explore African art through 13 complementary dimensions.
Overall strategic steering, cross-pole coordination, institutional representation of the project and international technical support.
Image of the fair, press and public relations, visibility of the event and its partners.
SIAM Online platform, digital ticketing, technical support for the team and the event.
Site layout, equipment, security, flows and logistical reception of exhibitors.
Treasury, ticketing, tax compliance and tax deductibility of donations.
Masterclasses, workshops and mentoring sessions for artisans and the general public.
Compliance with the ethical charter and support for the professionalisation of creators.
Artistic direction of the fair, leadership of the Grand Défilé and co-creation of the collections.
Public and VIP hospitality, B2B meetings and visitor reception.
Standards, certification, quality control and compliance of the products on show.
Cross-cutting integration of gender, entrepreneurship and personal development.
Support for the event, the stands, the workshops and the master classes through music, design, visual arts, culinary arts and wellbeing arts.
Exhibitor and buyer prospecting, marketing strategy and commercial development of the fair.
Whether you are a visitor, creator, professional or partner, choose your entry point to experience the AWALÉ 2026 adventure.
Public, student, professional, VIP — book online, secure Kkiapay payment.
Online ticketingExperience SIAM with an immersive program in Benin: artisans, workshops, culture, nature.
Book my immersionArtisans, creators and brands: book your stand at the SIAM Marketplace.
Book my standB2B meetings, connection with international buyers, export opportunities.
Access the LabInstitutions, schools, NGOs: become a cultural and educational partner of SIAM 2026.
CollaborateSupport African art by becoming an official sponsor of SIAM 2026 — international visibility.
Become a sponsorTechnical and international partner. Dutch NGO founded in 1978, based in The Hague, mobilising volunteer senior experts for SMEs and business support organisations. Leads the BAKINDI Benin-Rwanda trade bridge and the International Technical Guarantee.
Visit websiteProject owner. Centre International Africain des Arts et de la Créativité, the Beninese NGO behind the fair and the international AWALE network. Strategic direction, event coordination, oversight of the operational departments.
Visit websiteConsulting partner. Beninese consultancy founded in 2008, based in Abomey-Calavi, providing multidisciplinary and multisectoral expertise. Leads the Synergy, Gender and Entrepreneurship branch.
Visit websiteConsultancy in organisation and corporate restructuring, coaching in communication and public speaking, marketing solutions and the deployment of artificial intelligence solutions, in partnership with specialised French firms. At the fair, it supports the Finance & Compliance, Marketing & Prospecting and Digital & Technical branches, and coordinates the cross-departmental Communication / Marketing / Digital unit.
