Ecobank Adire Lagos targets 35,000 visitors, 150 brands in December

Ecobank Nigeria is targeting more than 35,000 visitors and 150 African brands for the December edition of its Adire Lagos festival, as the bank seeks to expand market opportunities for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

The three-day event, scheduled for 11-13 December, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos, will bring together fashion designers, artisans, textile merchants and other creative businesses.

The festival will feature shopping, fashion, art, food, music and cultural experiences, providing participating businesses with opportunities to sell their products, attract customers and establish commercial relationships.

Ecobank said the December edition would be its first attempt to hold the festival during the end-of-year festive season, when Lagos attracts Nigerians returning from abroad, tourists and other visitors.

Speaking ahead of the event, Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said the festival was designed to connect cultural expression with commercial opportunities for African businesses.

“Ecobank Adire Lagos has grown beyond being simply an exhibition. It is an SME and creative enterprise platform that connects culture with commerce, giving businesses visibility, access to customers and opportunities to grow,” she said.

Odu said the bank wanted participating businesses to use the festival not only to showcase their products but also to generate sales, build customer relationships and expand their reach.

She added that the December edition would provide an opportunity to connect creative entrepreneurs with consumers during the festive period.

The festival has recorded significant growth since its launch in 2022, when it attracted 2,000 visitors.

Attendance increased to 5,000 in 2023, 12,000 in 2024 and 25,000 in 2025, before exceeding 35,000 in June 2026, according to Ecobank.

Exhibitor participation has also increased, reflecting growing interest in African textiles, fashion, cultural products and creative businesses.

Odu said the bank’s support for small businesses extended beyond financing to include market access, visibility, payment solutions, business knowledge and partnerships.

“For us, supporting SMEs goes beyond providing finance. Businesses also need customers, markets, visibility, digital and payment solutions, knowledge and the right partnerships,” she said.

The bank said the festival was part of its broader effort to support African businesses and connect entrepreneurs with wider market opportunities.

Beyond promoting Adire and African craftsmanship, the event is expected to provide a platform for businesses to increase sales, attract new customers and develop longer-term commercial relationships.

Ecobank said members of the public, tourists, fashion enthusiasts, families and Nigerians returning home for the festive season would be invited to attend the December festival.