Nume Ekege
Ecobank Nigeria, African Finance Corporation (AFC) and other stakeholders will deepen their support for Nigeria’s creative economy as the +234 Art Fair returns in 2026, with a focus on increasing inclusivity and access for emerging artists.
An initiative of Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery, the fair has grown into a prominent platform dedicated to young, non-gallery-affiliated Nigerian artists seeking visibility and market access. Its name comes from Nigeria’s international phone number, +234. This is a symbolic gesture to project Nigerian creativity onto the world stage through the universal language of art.
The four-day exhibition, scheduled to be held from March 5 to 8, 2026 at the Ecobank Pan-African Center (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos, is themed ‘Inclusion: Broadening the Boundaries’.
Organizers said the theme reflects a deliberate effort to expand representation within the art ecosystem and connect more diverse creatives with collectors, investors and audiences around the world.
The free-admission exhibition features works of painting, sculpture, photography, digital art and children’s art, offering visitors an immersive experience that blends culture, commerce and conversation. Beyond the exhibition hall, the program will include panel discussions, master classes, workshops, live art installations, and high-level networking sessions aimed at strengthening ties between the art and financial worlds.
The trade fair’s trajectory highlights its growing influence. During the 2024 and 2025 editions, the number of visitors exceeded 18,000 and the number of participating artists increased from 200 to 260. With more than 1,100 pieces on display over two years, the event ranked #1 on X’s Trending Topics both times, demonstrating its growing national profile.
Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Head of Ecobank Nigeria, said the bank’s involvement is in line with its broader mission across Africa to support businesses and unlock value across non-traditional sectors.
“As a pan-African banking group, we recognize the transformative power of the creative sector. We are committed to providing a platform for African creatives, including visual artists, to access markets, visibility and markets both domestically and internationally,” he said.
Tola Akerele, founder of Soto Gallery and curator of the fair, described the initiative as a movement aimed at amplifying the voices of Nigerians.
“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 broader markets in Africa and beyond. ‘Inclusion’ reflects our determination to broaden representation and rebuild visibility within art spaces,” she said.
AFC President and CEO Samaira Zubair said in a statement that AFC’s continued partnership highlights the commercial potential embedded in Africa’s creative industries.
“In our third year supporting the +234 Art Fair, AFC remains committed to championing a platform that unlocks the commercial and cultural value of Africa’s creative industries. The fair reflects the power of Africa’s young and dynamic talent to drive innovation, enterprise and global cultural impact,” he said.
Apart from the annual fair, Ecobank Nigeria also strengthens its presence in the creative ecosystem through initiatives such as Adire Lagos, Oja Oge, Lagos Pop-up Museum, SME Bazaar, Design & Build Exhibition, as well as operating EPAC Studio, a dedicated hub dedicated to African storytelling across arts, culture and lifestyle.
