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The Federal Government has formally endorsed Africa’s premium continental fashion platform, the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST), pledging full institutional support to ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 edition in Nigeria.
The endorsement of the Presidency was conveyed to the President and Convener of MAFEST, Mr. Charles Ozoemena, through an official letter dated March 2. The letter was signed by Ifiok Abia, the director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Political and Economic Affairs Office), on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
In the correspondence, the Presidency acknowledged the strategic importance of the festival and its alignment with national development priorities. According to the letter, “The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has carefully considered your request and commends the initiative, particularly its objectives of promoting Africa’s creativity, innovation and the economic potentials of the fashion and textile industry in the country. In this regard, the SGF has endorsed the 2026 edition of MAFEST.”
To ensure effective participation and seamless delivery of MAFEST 2026, the SGF designated the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy as the lead coordinating ministry.
The Ministry is mandated to liaise with other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within the limits of their statutory responsibilities to facilitate collaboration and participation.
The SGF further advised the MAFEST organisers to work closely with the lead Ministry to coordinate engagement with relevant federal agencies, as well as authorities of the Federal Capital Territory, in accordance with established government procedures.
MAFEST is a pan-African creative economy platform established to showcase indigenous African creativity and position the continent as a global fashion powerhouse. It bridges the cotton, textile and garment (CTG) value chain while promoting eco-conscious and sustainable fashion practices. As Africa’s premier fashion, trade and cultural festival, MAFEST presents the continent’s creative economy as a powerful driver of industrial growth, trade expansion, job creation and youth empowerment.
The theme for the 2026 edition is, “Take Your Place Africa!”
This call to action invites Africans across borders to claim their rightful space in the global creative and economic narrative.
The 2026 festival will host delegates, designers, investors, cultural diplomats, policymakers and media representatives from over 20 African countries for four days of exhibitions, runway showcases, business networking and high-level engagement.
The festival will also feature a rich lineup of ancillary events, including a continental conference, masterclasses and workshops, investment roundtables and a spectacular Gala Night grand finale celebrating Africa’s sartorial excellence, cultural heritage and manufacturing capacity.
MAFEST has both local and international partners. Among them are Modela Couture Lagos, Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDO) Africa, Europe and UK South, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, as well as the Federal Ministry of Environment.
With the formal backing of the Federal Government, MAFEST 2026 is set to further elevate Nigeria’s position as a leading hub for Africa’s creative and fashion economy while strengthening continental collaboration and global visibility.
