Ecobank boosts SME support at 2026 Adire fair

Ecobank Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to driving the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises and promoting local industries as the fifth edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience concluded successfully on Sunday, 14 June 2026.

The four-day international exhibition, which took place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, served as a vibrant hub celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and indigenous fashion. The massive event drew over 30,000 visitors, including shoppers, exhibitors, industry stakeholders, and cultural enthusiasts.

Hundreds of local exhibitors took advantage of the fair to showcase a diverse array of Adire fabrics, footwear, fashion accessories, leather goods, beauty products, and arts and crafts. Beyond immediate sales, the platform offered micro-businesses unique access to new markets, direct customer engagement, and critical networking opportunities to scale their operations.

The high-profile gathering also attracted prominent national figures, including a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka; and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, alongside senior banking executives and diplomats.

Speaking on the economic impact of the fair, the Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Bolaji Lawal, expressed gratitude to all participants while emphasising the financial institution’s broader vision for the SME sector.

“We are delighted with the tremendous turnout and positive impact recorded during this year’s Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience,” Lawal stated.

“We sincerely appreciate all our exhibitors, partners, customers, guests, and visitors who contributed to making the event a remarkable success,” he added.

Lawal further noted that the resilience of local businesses encourages the bank to sustain its investments in the creative and retail sectors, saying, “Their continued support inspires us to create platforms that empower entrepreneurs, preserve our cultural heritage, promote intra-African trade, and stimulate economic growth. The success of this year’s edition reinforces Ecobank’s commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises, promoting local industries, and creating sustainable opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive.”

Exhibitors at the multi-day fair lauded the financial institution for absorbing the logistical weight of hosting such an expansive marketplace, noting that the exposure has helped bridge the gap between local artisans and premium consumer segments.

“This exhibition has provided us with a unique space to not only increase our immediate sales but also generate valuable, long-term business leads,” one of the textile exhibitors shared.

Similarly, visitors and shoppers praised the continuity of the annual event, describing it as an essential driver for regional cultural tourism and sustainable African craftsmanship.

“The fair has evolved over the years into a major platform for promoting local enterprise and creativity. Seeing corporate bodies consistently back our local fabrics on this scale gives local fashion a massive global appeal,” a regular attendee remarked.

Since its inception, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s premier cultural and business exhibitions, serving as a critical commercial pipeline for indigenous traders while positioning traditional African textiles for the international market.