Ecobank Nigeria has announced the fifth edition of the Adire Lagos Experience, its flagship cultural and creative industry showcase aimed at promoting Nigerian textile heritage and strengthening Africa’s creative economy.
According to a statement from the bank, the 2026 edition of the event is themed “Threads Across Borders”, highlighting the cultural depth and global relevance of Adire as a uniquely Nigerian art form while positioning it within Africa’s broader textile and cultural landscape.
The initiative is organised by Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the Pan-African banking group Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.
“Rooted in Nigeria’s rich heritage, the Adire Lagos Experience continues to serve as a gateway for cross-border cultural exchange, reinforcing Ecobank’s Pan-African vision through culture-led commerce,” the statement said.
The four-day event will feature more than 100 vendors showcasing Adire and related creative products. Organisers said the exhibition will remain largely Nigerian, reflecting the country’s position as the heartland of Adire production.
However, to encourage continental collaboration, about 10 per cent of participating vendors will come from other African countries, presenting complementary textile traditions and creative perspectives.
The organisers said the move is designed to promote knowledge exchange and cross-border partnerships within Africa’s creative and fashion industries.
Speaking on the event, the Head of SMEs, Partnerships, and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, said the programme intentionally balances cultural authenticity with Pan-African inclusion.
“Adire is proudly Nigerian, and this platform remains firmly anchored in celebrating our local artisans and creative enterprises,” she said.
“At the same time, Ecobank’s Pan-African mandate allows us to thoughtfully open the space to creators from other African markets, encouraging collaboration, shared learning, and trade connections that elevate African craftsmanship as a whole.”
Beyond the exhibition booths, the Adire Lagos Experience 2026 will feature indigenous cuisine, African music, and cultural performances designed to highlight the continent’s rich artistic traditions.
The programme will also include curated networking and business engagement sessions aimed at strengthening connections across the Adire and broader creative value chain — from artisans and designers to merchants, buyers and cultural enthusiasts.
As part of its support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Ecobank has opened registration for prospective exhibitors interested in participating in the event.
The bank said selected applicants will receive complimentary exhibition booths as part of efforts to encourage participation from emerging creative entrepreneurs.
Through the Adire Lagos Experience, Ecobank says it aims to promote Nigeria’s cultural leadership while advancing Pan-African collaboration, transforming heritage into enterprise and reinforcing its role in supporting Africa’s growing creative economy.
