Onome Amuge
Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, recently played host to the 8th edition of the Lagos Leather Fair (LLF), an event rapidly cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic leather exhibitions.
Curated by Femi Olayebi, the CEO and creative director of FemiHandbags, the LLF has, since its 2017 launch, transcended the confines of an annual showcase. It has evolved into a powerful, year-round catalyst for innovation, market expansion, and, crucially, the international recognition of African leather brands.
The fair, considered the largest leather exhibition in West Africa, at its heart, is a mission set to fundamentally reshape the narrative surrounding Nigeria’s leather industry, repositioning it from a raw material exporter to a hub for high-quality, finished goods.
The 2-day event, from June 28-29, 2025, themed “Designing for Tomorrow”, was held at The Balmoral, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. The event was more than just a display of exquisite craftsmanship. It was also a forum dedicated to delivering tangible solutions, empowering local leatherpreneurs to surmount existing challenges and assert their rightful place on the global stage.
Hosted with engaging flair by Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa, a celebrated broadcaster, the fair drew a congregation of visionary designers, master artisans, pioneering entrepreneurs, and key industry figures.
For the business traveller seeking more than just products, the LLF delivered on its promise of substantive engagement. This is where the fair truly distinguished itself, offering a programme of masterclasses and interactive conversations. This is as over 20 industry experts took to the stage, discussing transformative topics critical for any enterprise looking to thrive in the contemporary global marketplace.
Discussions ranged from the cutting-edge application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in leather design, a testament to the industry’s forward-thinking embrace of technology, to the fundamental subjects such as “The Art of Pricing: Cost vs Craft.” This session, led by prominent figures such as Ifeyinwa Azubike, CEO of The Ladymaker Company, Oluwakanyinsade Ademuson, founder of Seventh Space, and Adegboyega Adebajo, lead advisor at Amethyst & Ashlar Advisory Limited, offered invaluable insights into optimising profitability while maintaining a commitment to artisanal quality.
Another session, “Beyond Borders: Managing payment, currency, and logistics for Pan-African growth” featured experts like Seun Alley (co-founder & CEO, Fez Delivery), Adewale Sogeyinbo (head, payment processing and acquiring, Wema Bank), Omolade Oshinubi (CEO, Lekki Garment Factory), and Vovwe Enyoyi (head, product for SME and digital bank divisions, Etranzact International) who discussed cross-border trade, offering practical strategies for addressing currency fluctuations and logistical hurdles across Africa’s diverse markets.
Other impactful conversations included Mark Odiete, founder of Trax Apparel, on “Making it On My Own Terms: Navigating Identity, Integrity and Global Dreams,” and Olugbenga Ogunbowale, CEO of Grant Master, on “Mastering the Art of Winning Grants.”
The vibrant atmosphere, punctuated by beautifully curated booths, standout designs, and thoughtful brand stories, offered a sensory journey through African craftsmanship. From thought-provoking conversations to hands-on workshops and captivating runway shows showcasing the latest in leather fashion, the LLF was a celebration of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Even the presence of notable food and drink vendors added to the delightful experience, ensuring that visitors remained refreshed and engaged throughout their stay.
A notable validation of the leather industry’s rising prominence came from the Lagos State government. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, the Lagos State commissioner for wealth creation and employment, spoke on the administration’s commitment to enhancing local talent and building a strong domestic manufacturing base.
“You can see what they’ve done. You can see what our youth have done… Africans are very creative,” he observed, highlighting the long-standing dedication of many artisans.
The commissioner detailed the state’s intervention, particularly through initiatives spearheaded by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). This, he explained, encompasses comprehensive training and upskilling programmes that go beyond mere technical craft, extending to entrepreneurial acumen.
“LSETF has led by supporting them from the training to upskill them, and not just training them alone, by giving them funds to start as a startup,” he noted.
Ajigbotafe stressed that the leather industry should no longer be underestimated. He unveiled ambitious plans for the state to establish a dedicated leather commission. This envisioned entity, he stated, would serve as a centre for advanced learning and training, a platform for showcasing innovative designs, and also, a facility capable of hosting factory operations.
The ultimate goal, according to Ajigbotafe, is nothing short of fostering significant import substitution and stimulating widespread local wealth generation. “Instead of getting products from outside Nigeria, we’re creating help from Nigeria, people here in Lagos,” he affirmed.
