AFC partners Ecobank, Soto Gallery for 2026 +234 Art Fair |

The Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), an infrastructure solutions provider in Africa, on Thursday announced its partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and Soto Gallery for the third consecutive year to host the +234 Art Fair.

AFC stated in a statement that the four-day international exhibition would spotlight Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy and the dynamism of contemporary African art.

The organisation said the Fair’s 2026 edition, with the theme: “Inclusivity,” will take place from March 5 to March 8, 2026.

This will be at the Ecobank Pan-African Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

AFC said: “The theme reflects the organisers’ shared commitment to expanding access within the creative sector, strengthening creative entrepreneurship, and fostering broader participation across Nigeria’s contemporary art ecosystem.

“The fair positions art not only as a cultural expression, but as a driver of economic diversification, youth empowerment, and cross-border trade.

“The event 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.”

It said that the event is expected to attract artists, collectors, investors, diplomats, cultural institutions, and business leaders from across Africa and beyond.

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Commenting on the initiative, Samaila Zubairu, President and CEO of AFC, 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.”

Zubairu said that the fair reflects the power of Africa’s young, dynamic talent to drive innovation, enterprise and global cultural influence.

He said: “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, Bolaji Lawal, 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.”

Tola Akerele, Founder of Soto Gallery and Curator of the +234 Art Fair, 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.”

According to Akerele, hundreds of artworks have already arrived at the 2,000-square-metre venue in preparation for the exhibition.

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.

Event highlights include large-scale art exhibitions, an art-focused bookstore, an immersive children’s creative space, curated culinary experiences, a VIP collectors’ lounge, and interactive masterclasses and workshops.

The +234 Art Fair has strengthened its position as one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural platforms, delivering sustained growth across its 2024 and 2025 editions.

Over the two years, the fair attracted over 18,000 visitors.

Artist participation increased 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.

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