At the just concluded Lagos Leather Fair 2025 (LLF2025), the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, reaffirmed the state government’s support for creative enterprise and cultural industries.
  
With the theme, Designing for Tomorrow, LLF2025, which was held recently at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island marked a transformative milestone in Africa’s evolving leather industry.
  
The West Africa’s largest leather exhibition attracted a remarkable turnout of makers, designers, investors, and industry stakeholders from across the continent including notable dignitaries such as the Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria (Office of the Vice President) on Digital and Creative Economy, Fegho John Umunubo; Founder/CEO of The Chair Centre Group and Non-Executive Director at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Ibukun Awosika; Senior Vice-Chairman at Standard Chartered Bank Group, Bola Adesola, and others, all of whom have been champions of enterprise, leadership, and innovation on the continent.
  
Representing the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said: “Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to transforming the leather industry through innovation, sustainable practices, and economic diversification. We will continue to support initiatives like the Lagos Leather Fair that empower entrepreneurs, promote local industries, and position Lagos as a hub of creativity and industrial excellence.”
  
Convener, Lagos Leather Fair and Creative Director of FemiHandbags Femi Olayebi who thanked everyone present at the fair said: “LLF has grown from a small spark to a full-blown movement. We are shaping a future for African leather that is bold, brilliant, and ours. LLF 2026 will be even more ambitious, and I can’t wait to welcome you again next year. We appreciate our sponsors for their invaluable contributions to the event’s success. As Lagos Leather Fair continues to redefine what’s possible for Africa’s leather industry, it stands as more than just an exhibition but a movement committed to unlocking the continent’s creative and commercial potential through leather excellence.”
  
Day-one established LLF’s commitment to capacity building and practical empowerment through a comprehensive programme of knowledge-sharing sessions.

Scott C. Eneje of Digivo facilitated a hands-on workshop, titled, ‘Digital Tools for Leather Creatives’, providing participants with actionable insights on leveraging technology to enhance design, streamline production, and increase brand visibility.

Industry leaders such as Ruff ‘n’ Tumble Founder, Adenike Ogunlesi; CEO, H&Y Furniture Manufacturing Ltd, Feyisola Abiru; Head Reinsurance, Special Risk Leadway Group, Salewa Osakwe and Creative Director, Ugochukwu Monye sparked conversations during the panel ‘Made-in-Africa: A Movement or a Mirage?’, unpacking the evolving perceptions and realities of scaling, sustainability and local production in Africa.

Another session, ‘Beyond Borders: Managing Payment, Currency, and Logistics for Pan-African Growth’, featured CEO, Lekki Garment Factory, Omolade Oshinubi; CEO, Fez Delivery, Seun Alley; Head, Product for SME and Digital Bank Transactions, Etranzact International, Vovwe Enyoyi and Camille Chude of Ananse Africa, and delivered practical guidance on operational challenges facing African businesses looking to scale beyond their local markets.

Day-two elevated the fair’s impact through sessions focused on critical business fundamentals. The opening workshop, “Mastering the Art of Winning Grants,” delivered by Olugbenga Ogunbowale, the Grant Master, revealed the staggering reality facing African creatives, and emphasised major challenges in funding applications such as self-doubt, poorly written pitches and the fear of rejection. African SMEs face a $331 billion funding shortfall, with the continent capturing just 2.9% of global creative funding – a mere $58 billion out of a $2 trillion market.
  
The fair concluded with the LLF Awards ceremony, celebrating trailblazers setting new standards in African leather excellence.