Beyond the Canvas: AFC and Ecobank Target Nigeria’s Creative Economy With the 2026 +234 Art Fair
LAGOS — Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) has officially renewed its partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery to host the highly anticipated third edition of the +234 Art Fair.
Scheduled to run from March 5 to 8, 2026, at the prestigious Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, the four-day international exhibition will spotlight the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s creative economy and the undeniable dynamism of contemporary African art.
Operating under the compelling 2026 theme of “Inclusivity,” the organizers have strategically positioned the fair as more than a cultural showcase. They aim to leverage the event as a powerful engine for economic diversification, cross-border trade, and youth empowerment within the contemporary art ecosystem.
As Lagos prepares to welcome artists, investors, diplomats, and business leaders from across the globe, the 2026 +234 Art Fair stands ready to cement Nigeria’s position as the undisputed capital of African contemporary art.
Fusing Finance and the Arts
The +234 Art Fair uniquely bridges the gap between Nigeria’s financial powerhouses and its vibrant creative sector.
Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, emphasized the institution’s dedication to this synergy. “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,” Zubairu stated. “Through our continued collaboration with Ecobank and Soto Gallery, we are proud to support an ecosystem that enables African artists to scale their reach, retain value on the continent, and position African creativity as a globally competitive economic force.”
Echoing this sentiment, Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s role in scaling local talent. “As a pan-African banking group, we recognise the transformative power of the creative sector. We are committed to providing platforms that enable African creatives, including visual artists, to access markets, visibility, and opportunities locally and internationally.”
“Inclusivity” and Expanding the Narrative
Curated by Soto Gallery Founder Tola Akerele, the fair draws its inspiration from Nigeria’s international dialing code, “+234.” The platform actively showcases both emerging talents and established masters, driving critical dialogue around sustainable development in the arts.
“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,” Akerele explained. “‘Inclusivity’ reflects our determination to widen representation and reshape visibility within the art space.”
What to Expect at the 2026 Exhibition
Organizers confirm that hundreds of artworks have already arrived at the massive 2,000-square-metre venue in preparation for the March opening. The 2026 edition promises a comprehensive cultural experience, featuring:
- Curated Exhibitions: Large-scale displays of 2D art, sculpture, photography, and digital art.
- Industry Engagement: Panel discussions, masterclasses, and workshops designed to deepen the relationship between the arts and finance communities.
- Exclusive Experiences: A VIP collectors’ lounge, curated culinary events, an art-focused bookstore, and an immersive children’s creative space.
A Track Record of Massive Growth
The +234 Art Fair enters its third year riding a wave of unprecedented momentum. Across its 2024 and 2025 editions, the platform firmly established itself as one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural events: Record Footfall: The fair attracted over 18,000 visitors over the past two years. Expanding Roster: Artist participation surged from 200 exhibitors in 2024 to 260 in 2025. Massive Showcases: The combined editions exhibited over 1,100 artworks. Digital Dominance: In both previous years, the fair dominated online conversations, emerging as the number one trending topic on X (formerly Twitter).
As Lagos prepares to welcome artists, investors, diplomats, and business leaders from across the globe, the 2026 +234 Art Fair stands ready to cement Nigeria’s position as the undisputed capital of African contemporary art.