Preparations have gathered momentum for Nigeria Fashion Week 2026, as organisers unveil ambitious plans to position Nigeria as the leading hub of Africa’s fashion and creative economy. The prestigious event is scheduled to hold from October 2 to 4, 2026, in Abuja and is expected to attract a diverse mix of industry stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.

With the theme, “Beyond the Runway: Fashion and Culture at the Heart of the Green & Blue Economy (Going Green 5),” this year’s edition seeks to demonstrate how fashion can serve as a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth, cultural promotion and environmental responsibility. Organisers say the event has evolved beyond glamorous runway presentations into a strategic business platform that connects creativity with commerce while promoting Nigerian fashion on the global stage.

The three-day gathering will bring together fashion designers, manufacturers, buyers, retailers, investors, policymakers, development partners, diplomats, media practitioners and creative entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for collaboration, innovation and trade. It is expected to create new pathways for Nigerian brands to access international markets while strengthening local manufacturing and supporting job creation across the fashion value chain.

President of Nigeria Fashion Week, Lexy Mojo-Eyes, said the event has grown into an influential platform committed to empowering women and young entrepreneurs, preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. According to him, the vision is to ensure Nigerian designers are not only admired for their creativity but also become globally competitive brands with access to major international retail markets.

He disclosed that the event’s collaboration with New York-based Bizness Group is designed to provide Nigerian fashion businesses with opportunities to enter Walmart’s global retail ecosystem. The partnership, he explained, reflects a deliberate shift from celebrating creative excellence alone to building commercially viable brands capable of competing internationally.

Visitors to the event will experience six major runway showcases featuring collections from outstanding designers from Nigeria and other countries. The collections are expected to highlight African craftsmanship, innovation, contemporary fashion trends and sustainable production techniques that continue to redefine the continent’s creative identity.

Beyond the runway, an expansive exhibition will showcase textiles, garments, footwear, accessories, beauty products, fashion technologies and creative services. The exhibition is expected to facilitate direct engagement between exhibitors, investors, distributors, retailers and consumers, creating valuable business opportunities and partnerships.

Another major attraction will be the Nigeria Fashion Awards, which will honour individuals and organisations whose contributions have significantly advanced the nation’s fashion and creative industries.

Environmental sustainability will remain central to the event through the Going Green Collection, dedicated to designers producing eco-friendly collections made from recycled, upcycled and sustainable materials. Participants will also take part in the Trees for Nigeria Campaign, a tree-planting initiative involving designers, government officials, diplomats, celebrities, students and development partners. Organisers say the campaign symbolises the fashion industry’s commitment to climate action, responsible production and the promotion of a circular economy, while reinforcing Nigeria Fashion Week’s vision of positioning the country as Africa’s foremost destination for fashion, creativity and sustainable enterprise.