The Lagos Leather Fair (LLF), Africa’s leading leather industry platform, has officially launched the countdown to its highly anticipated 9th edition with a landmark press conference held at the Ananse Centre for Design in Lagos.
Under the theme, “Beyond the Hide: Scaling Value. Building Industry. Driving Growth,” LLF2026 will take place from June 27 to 28, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing together key players across the African leather value chain to drive innovation, manufacturing, and economic growth.
Lagos Leather Fair 2026 Focuses on Strengthening Africa’s Leather Value Chain
The press conference welcomed journalists, media stakeholders, industry leaders, designers, manufacturers, and development partners. This offers an exclusive preview of what attendees can expect at LLF 2026. Discussions focused on the fair’s evolution since its launch in 2017 and its growing role in strengthening Nigeria’s leather industry and positioning African leather products for global competitiveness.
The event opened with remarks from Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi, Project Lead, PR Director, and Board of Trustees (BOT) member, who officially welcomed guests and members of the media.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Femi Olayebi, Convener of Lagos Leather Fair and Creative Director of FemiHandbags, reflected on the platform’s nine-year journey and the significance of the 2026 theme.
“The 2026 focus moves beyond raw materials to strengthening market value, infrastructure, and creating pathways for sustainable cross-continental growth within Africa’s leather and creative industries.”
She highlighted the fair’s impact on the industry, the challenges overcome over the years, and the deliberate efforts being made to create a sustainable ecosystem for leather production and manufacturing across Africa.
Representing Ecobank, Simisola Olaseinde, SME Partnerships and Collaborations Manager, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the leather and creative sectors.
“Ecobank’s support goes beyond sponsorship. We provide SMEs with market access, financing solutions, digital tools, and opportunities for cross-border expansion across more than 30 African markets. Our goal is to empower creative entrepreneurs and strengthen manufacturing capacity across the continent.”
Industry Leaders Unveil Key Highlights of LLF 2026
Olufunke Jones provided insight into the operational side of the fair. She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and sponsorships in driving long-term industry growth.
Kola Oshalusi, Director of Photography for LLF 2026, unveiled the visual and experiential roadmap for the two-day event. Attendees can expect immersive activations including the LLF Runway Shows, The Signature Piece Challenge with a ₦1,000,000 grand prize, and the prestigious LLF Awards, which celebrates excellence across the leather industry.
Mr. Owodunni Temiloluwa, Training and Curriculum Manager at the Ananse Centre for Design, introduced The LLF Atelier. It is a live manufacturing activation developed in partnership with the design centre.
“The LLF Atelier will serve as a mini manufacturing hub where attendees can experience machinery demonstrations, observe industry experts at work, and gain firsthand insight into the production processes behind luxury leather goods.”
Board of Trustees member Otejiri Ejumabone highlighted The Maker’s Bench, an interactive workshop space. Participants can learn leather craftsmanship and create simple leather pieces under expert guidance.
Leather designers and BOT members Morin Obaweya and Anita Aisha Ugah shared personal experiences. They also highlighted growth witnessed through the Lagos Leather Fair platform.
Media Engagement Highlights Industry Opportunities and Challenges
The interactive media session, moderated by Tolu Ajibola, explored critical industry topics including market access, technology adoption, manufacturing standards, and regulatory compliance. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Yetty Ogunnubi. She appreciated media partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and stakeholders supporting the fair’s growth.
Following the formal session, speakers participated in exclusive media interviews and official photographs alongside sponsors, exhibitors, and members of the Lagos Leather Fair Board of Trustees.
Registration for Lagos Leather Fair 2026 Now Open
Registration for Lagos Leather Fair 2026 remains open. Leather goods buyers, designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, investors, industry professionals, and enthusiasts are encouraged to register and secure attendance badges ahead of the event.
Event Details
Event: Lagos Leather Fair (LLF 2026)
Date: June 27 – 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Daily
Venue: Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Victoria Island, Lagos
Registration: www.thelagosleatherfair.com/registration
About Lagos Leather Fair
Founded in 2017 by renowned leather designer Femi Olayebi, Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) is Nigeria’s first dedicated platform focused exclusively on the leather industry. The fair was created to address structural challenges and unlock opportunities within the sector. It now connects designers, manufacturers, suppliers, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Through exhibitions, conferences, workshops, business networking opportunities, and industry-focused initiatives, Lagos Leather Fair continues to strengthen the African leather value chain, promote local manufacturing, and position Nigerian and African leather products on the global stage.
Website: www.thelagosleatherfair.com
For related information on LLF click here.
