Ecobank Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to tap into the global $100 billion fashion market, particularly within the rapidly expanding creative and fashion industries.

Speaking at the ongoing fourth edition of the bank’s yearly Ecobank Adire Lagos exhibition, Head of Small and Medium Enterprises at Ecobank Nigeria, Omoboye Odu, emphasised that the bank was intentionally positioned as a solutions provider for SMEs.

According to her, the global fashion industry is valued at over $100 billion, with Africa contributing more than $30 billion to that figure. Nigeria, she added, must seize the opportunity to become a key player in this space.

“With development finance institutions, such as the World Bank and the IFC, already offering funding facilities to support fashion industries across Africa, there is no reason Nigeria should be left out.

“We want Nigerian entrepreneurs and creatives to be among the top 25 leading voices in African fashion. That’s why Ecobank is creating accessible platforms at no cost to showcase their work to the world.”

According to her, the event was designed to spotlight indigenous textile craftsmanship, particularly Adire fabric, serve as both a cultural celebration and a business growth opportunity, offering local artisans, designers, and textile producers a unique space to gain visibility, make sales, and connect with wider markets, locally and internationally.

Reflecting on past editions, Odu shared that last year’s event attracted over 20,000 visitors in just four days. One vendor reportedly made N30 million in sales, equivalent to six months’ worth of revenue, demonstrating the event’s commercial viability.