As the +234 Art Fair returns in 2026 with a focus on inclusivity and increased access for young artists, Ecobank Nigeria, African Finance Corporation (AFC), and other partners are expected to strengthen their support of Nigeria’s creative sector.
Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery launched the Fair, which has developed into a well-known venue for up-and-coming, ungalleried Nigerian artists looking for exposure and access to markets. Its name comes from Nigeria’s international dialing code, +234, which is a symbolic declaration of purpose to use art, a universal language, to showcase Nigerian innovation on the world stage.
The four-day exhibition, titled “Inclusivity: Widening the Frame,” is set to take place at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, from March 5 to 8, 2026.
The subject, according to the organizers, is an intentional attempt to increase representation within the art ecosystem and link a wider variety of creatives to investors, collectors, and international audiences.
With pieces in painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, and children’s art, the free-entry show will provide visitors with an immersive experience that combines culture, business, and dialogue. In addition to the exhibition halls, the program will feature seminars, workshops, panel discussions, live art installations, and high-level networking events with the goal of fostering closer relationships between the finance and arts worlds.
The fair’s trajectory highlights its growing impact. Over 18,000 people attended both the 2024 and 2025 editions, while the number of participating artists rose from 200 to 260. Over 1,100 pieces of art were displayed over the course of the two years, and both times the event was the top trending topic on X, indicating its increasing national prominence.
Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, stated that the bank’s participation is in line with its larger pan-African mandate to assist businesses and unleash value in non-traditional industries.
We acknowledge the revolutionary potential of the creative industry as a pan-African banking organization. We’re dedicated to giving African creatives—including visual artists—access to markets, visibility, and possibilities both domestically and globally,” he stated.
Tola Akerele, curator of the Fair and founder of Soto Gallery, characterized the effort as a movement aimed at elevating Nigerian voices.
“The Fair is a movement to elevate Nigerian voices, honor our narratives, and link our artists to broader markets throughout Africa and beyond. It is more than just an exhibition. “Our commitment to expanding representation and reshaping visibility in the art space is reflected in inclusivity,” she stated.
In a statement, Samaila Zubairu, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, stated that the company’s ongoing collaboration highlights the business potential inherent in Africa’s creative sectors.
“AFC is still dedicated to supporting platforms that unlock the financial and cultural worth of Africa’s creative industries, and we are now in our third year of supporting the +234 Art Fair. He stated, “The Fair demonstrates the ability of Africa’s youthful, vibrant talent to propel innovation, enterprise, and global cultural influence.
In addition to running EPAC Studios, a specially designed hub devoted to African storytelling across art, culture, and lifestyle, Ecobank Nigeria has strengthened its position in the creative ecosystem through projects like Adire Lagos, Oja Oge, the Lagos Pop-Up Museum, SME Bazaar, and the Design & Build Exhibition.
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