Ecobank Nigeria is expecting over 35,000 visitors and 150 African brands at the December edition of its Adire Lagos festival, as the financial institution works to create broader market opportunities for small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.
The three-day festival will take place from December 11 to 13, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Lagos. It is expected to attract fashion designers, artisans, textile traders and other players in the creative industry.
Activities at the event will include shopping, fashion, art, food, music and cultural displays, offering participating businesses a platform to market their products, reach potential buyers and establish valuable business connections.
According to Ecobank, the December edition marks its first effort to stage the festival during the end-of-year festive period, a season that brings Nigerians living abroad, tourists and other visitors to Lagos.
Speaking ahead of the festival, Ecobank Nigeria’s Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations, Omoboye Odu, described the initiative as a platform that combines African cultural expression with business opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“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 explained that the bank expects exhibitors to maximise the opportunity by displaying their products, increasing sales, developing customer relationships and reaching wider markets. She also noted that the December event would allow creative entrepreneurs to connect with consumers during the festive season.
Since its introduction in 2022, the festival has experienced steady growth in attendance, attracting 2,000 visitors in its first year. The figure rose to 5,000 in 2023, 12,000 in 2024 and 25,000 in 2025, before surpassing 35,000 in June 2026, according to Ecobank.
The number of exhibitors has equally increased, reflecting rising interest in African textiles, fashion, cultural products and creative enterprises.
Highlighting the bank’s commitment to small businesses, Odu said its support goes beyond financial assistance to cover market access, business visibility, payment solutions, knowledge development and strategic 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.
Ecobank noted that the festival forms part of its wider commitment to promoting African enterprises and linking entrepreneurs to broader commercial opportunities.
In addition to celebrating Adire and African craftsmanship, the event is expected to help participating businesses boost sales, attract new buyers and establish lasting commercial relationships.
Members of the public, tourists, fashion enthusiasts, families and Nigerians returning home for the festive season are expected to attend the December edition, the bank said.
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