Niger welcomed Burkina Faso, Mali and Togo for the first time to its International Women's Crafts Fair (SAFEM).
With the participation of these three countries, this year's SAFEM demonstrates the event's growing regional importance, Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine said at the opening of the fair.
"This is a great opportunity for SAFEM to learn from the experience of other countries, to improve its offering and to be even more influential internationally," he stated.
The event focuses on promoting intellectual property and accelerating the financial inclusion of women artisans.
This requires special attention, because women's creativity "provides society with countless tools, instruments and services that are essential to daily life," said Nigerien Minister of Crafts and Tourism Sofiane Aghaichata Guichene.
Furthermore, SAFEM strengthens Niger's industrial sovereignty and aims to "promote women's crafts by providing a supportive environment for their professional development."