6th Ivorian Handicrafts Fair (MIVA): Kandia Camara Celebrates the Role of Women in Local Transformation

Economy - 6th Ivorian Handicrafts Fair (MIVA): Kandia Camara Celebrates the Role of Women in Local Transformation

The 6th edition of the Ivorian Handicrafts Fair (MIVA) officially opened on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Exhibition Park in Abidjan Port-Bouët. Presided over by Senate President Kandia Camara, this edition is held under the theme “Handicrafts, Women, and Transformation”, with the Democratic Republic of Congo as guest of honor and South Africa as the country of honor.

At the well-attended opening ceremony, Kandia Camara emphasized the importance of MIVA in promoting local know-how.

"The establishment of MIVA is undeniably a significant milestone in our collective commitment to promoting, supporting, and showcasing the talent, craftsmanship, and creativity of Ivorian artisans, as well as the value of 'Made in Côte d’Ivoire'," she stated.

She particularly praised the contribution of women artisans to the transformation of local resources, stressing their central role in building a resilient economy.

"Every product you create, every resource you transform, is a cornerstone in building a resilient Côte d’Ivoire that takes pride in its roots," she declared.

As a gesture of support, she announced the donation of a three-hectare site in Bonoua to assist women artisans in their transformation activities.

Representing Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, State Minister Kobenan Kouassi Adjoumani joined several members of the government to show their commitment to the artisanal sector.
Minister of Trade and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, revealed that handicrafts contribute 19.5% to the national GDP. He also highlighted numerous government reforms aimed at structuring and energizing the artisanal ecosystem, including the creation of GUDE-PME, Côte d’Ivoire PME, the SME Guarantee Company, and the Côte d’Ivoire SME Agency.

MIVA 2025 runs from April 22 to 27, expecting over 600 exhibitors and 100,000 participants. This edition introduces several innovations: MIVA Kids, a Web TV zone, a MIVA Village, the "À chez nous pays" award, and a Women’s Investment Day. Panels, awards, and various animations will further enrich this showcase of Ivorian creativity.

A not-to-be-missed event celebrating local ingenuity and promoting an inclusive economy driven by the artisans of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.