Morocco has been honored as the guest of honor at the 19th National Craft Fair of Benin (SNAB), taking place from August 22 to 31 in Cotonou.
The fair highlights the creativity and talent of African artisans, offering them a platform to showcase their crafts and engage with new markets.
A Moroccan delegation, led by Abderrahim Zemzami, president of the Chamber of Artisans of Rabat-Sale-Kenitra, is representing the country. The group includes craftsmen eager to exchange knowledge with Beninese artisans and enhance local skills.
Additionally, the delegation is exploring opportunities for regional and international trade. At the opening ceremony, Modeste Tihounté Kerekou, Benin’s Minister of SMEs and Employment Promotion, expressed appreciation for Morocco’s participation, emphasizing the importance of skill-sharing to help the local artisan sector grow.
This year’s fair is themed “Beninese Craftsmanship: Challenges and Opportunities in Product Labeling and Certification for Access to Local and International Markets.” It features 150 stands, including 20 from foreign countries. Organizers hope the event will assist Benin’s artisans in meeting international standards and expanding their reach globally.
Morocco's renowned craftsmanship in ceramics, textiles, and leather and metalwork is internationally recognized. Its role as guest of honor at the fair underscores both the country’s mastery in traditional crafts and its commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration with artisans.