The Africa Finance Corporation has announced its partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery for the third consecutive year to host the +234 Art Fair, a four-day international exhibition spotlighting Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy and the dynamism of contemporary African art.
In a statement on Thursday, it was revealed that the 2026 edition, themed ‘Inclusivity’, will take place from 5 to 8 March 2026 at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The PUNCH reports that the +234 Art Fair, which started in 2024, has attracted more than 18,000 visitors, with artist participation increasing from 200 exhibitors in 2024 to 260 in 2025, reflecting its expanding reach within the creative community.
Combined, the editions showcased over 1,100 artworks across 2D, sculpture, photography, digital art, and children’s art, alongside masterclasses, workshops, live demonstrations, and networking events designed to support talent development and industry exchange.
The organisers said that this year’s edition will feature curated exhibitions, panel discussions, live art installations, masterclasses, workshops, and high-level networking sessions designed to deepen engagement between the arts and finance communities.
Commenting on the initiative, President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, Samaila Zubairu, said, “Now in our third year of supporting the +234 Art Fair, AFC remains committed to championing platforms that unlock the commercial and cultural value of Africa’s creative industries. The Fair reflects the power of Africa’s young, dynamic talent to drive innovation, enterprise and global cultural influence. Through our continued collaboration with Ecobank and Soto Gallery, we are proud to support an ecosystem that enables African artists to scale their reach, retain value on the continent, and position African creativity as a globally competitive economic force.”
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria said, “As a pan-African banking group, we recognise the transformative power of the creative sector. We are committed to providing platforms that enable African creatives, including visual artists, to access markets, visibility, and opportunities locally and internationally.”
Founder of Soto Gallery and Curator of the +234 Art Fair, Tola Akerele, added, “The Fair is more than an exhibition; it is a movement to amplify Nigerian voices, celebrate our stories, and connect our artists to wider markets across Africa and beyond. ‘ Inclusivity’ reflects our determination to widen representation and reshape visibility within the art space.”
Inspired by Nigeria’s international dialling code “+234”, the Fair showcases both emerging and established artists while fostering dialogue on the role of the creative economy in advancing sustainable development. Hundreds of artworks have already arrived at the 2,000-square-metre venue in preparation for the exhibition.
Event highlights include large-scale art exhibitions, an art-focused bookshop, an immersive children’s creative space, curated culinary experiences, a VIP collectors’ lounge, and interactive masterclasses and workshops.
