Tunisian Craftsmanship Takes Center Stage at 3rd ArtiCrea Trade Fair
From Sejnane pottery and ceramics to jewelry, textiles, leather, wood, and cosmetics, the diversity of products on display at the ArtiCrea professional crafts trade fair highlights the richness of Tunisia’s artisanal heritage.
However, this third edition aims to go beyond simply showcasing cultural heritage. For the first time, the event has opened its doors to international guests, featuring representatives from Canada, Malta, and Sweden, as well as international buyers and journalists, according to reports by the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) agency.
Innovation and Export Growth
Leïla Msallati, Director General of the National Office for Tunisian Crafts (ONAT), cited Sejnane pottery as a prime example of this evolution. New creations have been developed under a six-month cooperation program, a strategy that allows artisans to innovate with new products while preserving the traditional know-how that defines this craft. This openness is reflected in the sector’s export performance.
Msallati noted that sector exports reached approximately 85 million dinars by the end of August 2026, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2025. These exports represent nearly 2% of Tunisia’s total export value.
“The American market remains the top destination for Tunisian craft exports,” she stated.
The first-ever participation of the Tunisian-American Chamber of Commerce in ArtiCrea underscores the growing interest in this market. For the ONAT, the presence of foreign professionals is expected to multiply commercial contacts and strengthen Tunisian artisans’ access to international markets.
Key Statistics and Partnerships
This edition of ArtiCrea brought together 228 artisanal companies from various regions of the country. According to data provided by the ONAT:
- 60% of these businesses are led by women.
- 40% are led by university graduates.
Organized by the ONAT in partnership with the National Federation of Crafts and the Tunis International Fairs Company, the event also gathers several organizations dedicated to supporting artisans in their commercial development. The CEPEX (Export Promotion Center), La Poste Tunisienne, and the National Tunisian Tourism Office are among the key partners contributing to this edition. In total, 12 public and private institutions are supporting the craft sector and promoting its exports, according to Msallati.
Media Visibility and Ministerial Engagement
Promoting craftsmanship also requires strong media coverage. Sofiane Tekaya, Minister of Tourism and Crafts, attended the opening ceremony and engaged in discussions with several artisans and business owners regarding their concerns, particularly those related to business development, working conditions, and product marketing.
The event’s program includes several workshops. On Tuesday, October 6, a dedicated session focused on “Raïdet Store,” the national platform designed to market products made by women. The workshop explored how the platform can help promote these products and expand their market reach. Other sessions held that day addressed export strategies and opportunities for accessing foreign markets.
The Minister also praised the role of the Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) agency as a media partner for the tourism and crafts sectors. He highlighted the agency’s efforts to cover major industry events and help raise awareness of Tunisian artisanal products, their innovations, and the initiatives driven by artisans.
This visibility extends to international markets. By relaying the sector’s creations and initiatives both in Tunisia and abroad, media coverage helps better showcase the richness of Tunisian craftsmanship, according to the Minister.
ArtiCrea continues until October 11, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at the Kram Exhibition Palace.
