The African Finance Corporation has announced its partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery for the third year in a row to present the +234 Art Fair, a four-day international exhibition focused on Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy and the dynamism of contemporary African art.
In a statement on Thursday, it was revealed that the 2026 edition, with the theme ‘Inclusion’, will be held from March 5 to 8, 2026 at the Ecobank Pan-African Center in Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to a report in PUNCH, the +234 Art Fair, which began in 2024, has attracted more than 18,000 visitors, and the number of artist participants has increased from 200 in 2024 to 260 in 2025, reflecting the expansion within the creative community.
Together, each edition featured over 1,100 works of art across 2D, sculpture, photography, digital art and children’s art, as well as masterclasses, workshops, live demonstrations and networking events designed to support talent development and industry exchange.
Organizers say this year’s event will feature curated exhibitions, panel discussions, live art installations, master classes, workshops and high-level networking sessions aimed at deepening engagement between the art and financial worlds.
Commenting on the initiative, AFC President and Chief Executive Officer Samaira Zubair said: “As we enter our third year of support for the +234 Art Fair, AFC remains committed to championing a platform that unlocks the commercial and cultural value of Africa’s creative industries. “Through our continued collaboration with Ecobank and Soto Gallery, we are proud to support an ecosystem where African artists can expand their reach and retain their value.” and position African creativity as a globally competitive economic force. ”
Also, the Managing Director and Regional Executive Officer of Ecobank Nigeria said: “As a pan-African banking group, we recognize the transformative power of the creative sector. We are committed to providing African creators, including visual artists, with a platform where they can access markets, visibility and markets both domestically and internationally.”
Tola Akerele, founder of Soto Gallery and curator of the +234 art fair, added: “The fair is more than just an exhibition, it is a movement that amplifies the voices of Nigerians, celebrates our stories and connects our artists to wider markets in Africa and beyond. ‘Inclusivity’ reflects our determination to widen representation and rebuild visibility within art spaces.”
Inspired by Nigeria’s international phone number ‘+234’, the fair will showcase both emerging and established artists and foster dialogue about the role of the creative economy in advancing sustainable development. Hundreds of works have already arrived at the 2,000 square meter venue in preparation for the exhibition.
Highlights of the event include a major art exhibition, an art-focused bookstore, an immersive children’s creative space, a selection of culinary experiences, a VIP Collector’s Lounge, and interactive masterclasses and workshops.
