The Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) 2026 has reached a major milestone this month with formal backing from the highest levels of the Nigerian government.
​On March 2, 2026, the Presidency formally conveyed its endorsement of MAFEST 2026 to the festival’s Convener, Mr. Charles Ozoemena. The endorsement letter was signed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
To ensure the festival’s success, the SGF has designated the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy as the lead coordinating body.
The SGF praised the initiative for its potential to drive the “economic potential of the fashion and textile industry” and its alignment with Nigeria’s national development goal.
​The 2026 edition is built around the theme “Take Your Place Africa!” and serves as a rallying cry for the continent’s designers to dominate the global stage.
While MAFEST prepares for its main event, the Nigerian fashion scene is currently buzzing with the Miss Nigeria Beauty and Fashion Fair 2026, taking place March 22–23 at the Eko Hotel in Lagos. This fair acts as a “curtain-raiser” for the broader 2026 fashion season, featuring the prestigious Daily Times Young Designer of the Year competition.
This official state backing for MAFEST is seen as a strategic move to diversify Nigeria’s economy, as the creative sector is now projected to grow toward a $17.8 billion valuation by 2030 across Africa.
