Africa Finance Corporation has announced a partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery for the third consecutive year to host the +234 Art Fair, a four-day international exhibition spotlighting Nigeria’s rapidly growing creative economy.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the 2026 edition, themed “Inclusivity”, will take place from 5 to 8 March 2026 at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Launched in 2024, the +234 Art Fair has recorded significant growth, attracting over 18,000 visitors across its previous editions. Artist participation expanded from 200 exhibitors in 2024 to 260 in 2025, underscoring its increasing influence within the creative community.
Collectively, past editions showcased more than 1,100 artworks spanning painting, sculpture, photography, digital art and children’s art. The programme also featured masterclasses, workshops, live demonstrations and networking events designed to foster talent development and industry collaboration.
Focus on Inclusivity and Industry Dialogue
Organisers said the 2026 edition will include curated exhibitions, panel discussions, live art installations, masterclasses and high-level networking sessions aimed at strengthening engagement between the arts and finance sectors.
President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, Samaila Zubairu, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative industries.
“Now in our third year of supporting the +234 Art Fair, AFC remains committed to championing platforms that unlock the commercial and cultural value of Africa’s creative industries,” he said, adding that the initiative empowers young African talent to scale their reach and retain value on the continent.
The Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria also emphasised the bank’s dedication to supporting creative entrepreneurs by providing platforms that enhance market access and international visibility.
Founder of Soto Gallery and Curator of the Fair, Tola Akerele, described the event as more than an exhibition.
“The Fair is more than an exhibition; it is a movement to amplify Nigerian voices, celebrate our stories, and connect our artists to wider markets across Africa and beyond. ‘Inclusivity’ reflects our determination to widen representation and reshape visibility within the art space,” she said.
Inspired by Nigeria’s international dialling code “+234”, the Fair showcases both emerging and established artists while promoting dialogue on the role of the creative economy in advancing sustainable development.
Event highlights will include large-scale exhibitions, an art-focused bookshop, an immersive children’s creative space, curated culinary experiences, a VIP collectors’ lounge and interactive masterclasses. Organisers confirmed that hundreds of artworks have already arrived at the 2,000-square-metre venue in preparation for the exhibition.
