The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially endorsed the 2026 edition of the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST), pledging full institutional support to ensure the successful hosting of the continental fashion event in the country.
The endorsement was conveyed to MAFEST President and Convener, Charles Ozoemena, in a letter dated March 2, 2026, signed by Ifiok Abia, Director of the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Political and Economic Affairs Office), on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
The SGF commended the festival’s objectives of promoting Africa’s creativity, innovation, and the economic potential of the fashion and textile industry.
“To promote Africa’s creativity, innovation and economic potentials of the fashion and textile industry, the SGF has endorsed the 2026 edition of MAFEST,” the letter stated.
The SGF also designated the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy as the lead coordinating ministry to facilitate participation and collaboration with other relevant federal agencies and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
MAFEST is a pan-African platform designed to showcase indigenous African fashion while bridging the cotton, textile, and garment value chains.
The 2026 edition, themed “Take Your Place Africa!”, will see participation from 20 African countries, bringing together designers, investors, policymakers, cultural diplomats, and media representatives from across the continent.
The festival’s activities include exhibitions, runway showcases, business networking, a continental conference, masterclasses, workshops, investment roundtables, and a gala night celebrating Africa’s fashion heritage and manufacturing capacity.
With partnerships from both local and international organisations—including Modela Couture Lagos, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, Europe, and UK South, StyleAfrique Ghana, and several federal ministries—MAFEST 2026 is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s role as a hub for Africa’s creative and fashion economy, promote continental collaboration, and enhance global visibility.
