Organisers of the Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) have announced that the 2025 edition of the event will focus on tackling structural challenges limiting the growth and global competitiveness of Africa’s leather industry.
Convener of LLF, Femi Olayebi, speaking ahead of the event scheduled to hold in Lagos from June 28 to 29, said this edition will bring together designers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and investors from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on issues such as innovation, technology, market access, and funding — all identified as core barriers to industry expansion.
“Africa’s leather industry is a sleeping giant bursting with potential,” Olayebi said. “LLF 2025 is more than an event. It is a dynamic movement dedicated to unleashing opportunities, sparking crucial dialogues, and arming ‘leatherpreneurs’ with the insight and connectivity necessary for progress.”
She added that ‘Designing for Tomorrow’ — the theme for this year — is not just a slogan, but a rallying cry. “The future demands innovation, teamwork, and unwavering excellence. It’s time to seize that future and make it our own.”
Olayebi noted that since its inception in 2017, LLF has become a crucial platform for stimulating economic activity across the continent’s leather value chain. However, this year’s edition aims to take a significant leap by leveraging strategic partnerships to address systemic bottlenecks such as access to quality raw materials, weak infrastructure, inefficient supply chains, inadequate financing, and slow adoption of modern technology.
“In addition to exhibitions and product showcases, LLF 2025 will feature discussions led by 18 industry professionals covering topics such as the application of artificial intelligence in leather production, cross-border transactions, and brand scaling,” she said. Organisers noted that the fair is evolving into a year-round platform for change, beyond being an annual event. It is designed to create sustainable pathways for African brands seeking global competitiveness.
Key highlights of LLF 2025 include curated exhibitions of premium leather goods from across Africa, runway shows featuring innovative designs, and the LLF Awards, which will celebrate trailblazers in the industry.
A major draw will be the masterclasses and panel conversations led by thought leaders exploring themes such as artificial intelligence in leather design, cross-border payment systems, and scale-up strategies.
“LLF is not just about showcasing talent but delivering real-world solutions,” Olayebi added. “We are creating platforms that empower our artisans and entrepreneurs to assert their place on the global stage.”