Wema Bank Plc has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and small businesses by returning as the headline sponsor of Fashion Souk 2026, one of Nigeria’s leading fashion and lifestyle exhibitions.
The bank said its partnership with Fashion Souk has continued to create meaningful opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping many businesses increase sales, expand their customer base, and grow their brands. According to figures released by Wema Bank, the June and December editions of the exhibition held in Lagos in 2025 generated more than N1.5 billion in revenue for participating businesses.
The impressive results highlight the growing importance of platforms like Fashion Souk in promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth. A total of 315 businesses participated in the two editions held in 2025, with women-owned enterprises making up more than 90 percent of all exhibitors. This strong female representation reflects the event’s role in empowering women and encouraging their active participation in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Wema Bank explained that Fashion Souk provides a valuable platform where entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners can showcase their products and services to a wider audience. Beyond direct sales, participants also gain opportunities to connect with customers, build professional relationships, explore new partnerships, and strengthen their market presence.
The bank noted that the success of previous editions aligns with its broader goal of promoting financial inclusion and supporting women-led businesses. By creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to access larger markets, Wema Bank believes it is helping to strengthen Nigeria’s SME sector, which remains a major contributor to the country’s economy.
Following the success recorded in previous years, Wema Bank announced plans to expand the programme in 2026. The upcoming edition will feature two separate Fashion Souk events, giving participating businesses even more opportunities to reach customers, improve brand visibility, and increase revenue.
According to the bank, the expansion is designed to help emerging brands gain greater exposure while attracting more consumer traffic. It will also create a stronger environment for business growth by allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their products to a broader audience across multiple events.
Wema Bank emphasized that it remains committed to supporting female entrepreneurs with the resources and financial backing needed to grow sustainable businesses. The lender stated that it will continue to focus on increasing market access and providing structured support that enables small businesses to scale effectively.
Over the years, Fashion Souk has developed into one of Nigeria’s most recognized platforms for fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and creative businesses. The exhibition has become a meeting point for retailers, consumers, innovators, and industry stakeholders, encouraging collaboration and innovation across various sectors.
Through its continued sponsorship of the event, Wema Bank aims to deepen its contribution to entrepreneurship development while helping local businesses thrive. The initiative is expected to further boost the growth of Nigeria’s vibrant SME ecosystem and create new opportunities for women-owned and emerging indigenous brands across the country.
