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What began three years ago as a modest community initiative has rapidly evolved into one of Manitoba’s most visible multicultural business events, as the 2026 Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair drew hundreds of attendees, entrepreneurs, and senior government officials to the Transcona Country Club in Winnipeg.
Held on May 16 and organised by Canada Naija Business Hub in partnership with Nigerians in Winnipeg Inc., the third edition of the fair reflected not only the growing influence of the Nigerian and broader African community in Manitoba, but also the power of deliberate planning and collaboration.
At the centre of the planning effort were Olubunmi Agbaje, CEO of Divadazzle Events, and Founder of Nigerians in Winnipeg Inc., and Tolulope Adebayo, Founder of BrandParlour Communications Inc. and Canada Naija Business Hub, who envisioned an event that would go beyond commerce to celebrate culture, entrepreneurship, and community identity.
Almost 100 vendors showcased products and services ranging from fashion and beauty to technology, finance, and healthcare. At the same time, food stalls offered an array of Nigerian delicacies, attracting long queues and enthusiastic patrons. Music performances, dance competitions, raffle draws, and fashion showcases transformed the venue into a lively celebration of African heritage.
For many attendees, the fair represented something deeper than entertainment.
Olubunmi Agbaje, Founder of Nigerians in Winnipeg Inc., articulated the broader mission that guided every planning decision. She said, “We are building meaningful bridges, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, and showcasing the strength and richness of our community.”
The growing significance of the fair was reflected in the calibre of public officials in attendance.
Tolulope Adebayo, Founder, Canada Naija Business Hub, said, “Each year, the Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair reinforces the incredible potential within our community. It’s more than a marketplace; it’s a movement. We are creating a space where African excellence is visible, celebrated, and supported, and where every participant becomes part of a larger story of growth and impact.”
Acting Deputy Mayor of Winnipeg, Janice Lukes, used the occasion to announce improvements to the city’s business permit process, revealing that permits for some businesses could now be secured within one to two weeks, depending on their size and structure.
Lukes commended Nigerians in Manitoba for what she described as their resilience and entrepreneurial drive, noting that Black-owned businesses were becoming an increasingly important part of the province’s economic landscape.
The event also featured remarks from Manitoba Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, Uzoma Asagwara, whose presence resonated strongly with attendees.
Asagwara spoke candidly about representation, community engagement, and health equity. In her remarks, she reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for Black Manitobans, highlighting the establishment of the Manitoba Menopause Clinic aimed at supporting older Black women who often face barriers to specialised care.
She said: “I show up for my community because I love them. My community raised me, and showing up matters. I am at home here and will always show up for my community. I also want to implore the people to always come to us, because it is important that your voices are heard.”
Asagwara also encouraged young people within the community to pursue careers in healthcare, saying the province was investing in a workforce that reflects Manitoba’s diversity.
Beyond the celebrations, the fair underscored a broader shift taking place within Winnipeg’s African diaspora community, one increasingly focused on economic empowerment and long-term wealth creation.
Since its inaugural edition in 2024, the Winnipeg Naija Trade Fair has steadily grown in scale and influence, moving beyond a cultural showcase into what many now see as a meaningful economic and social institution.
For organisers and participants alike, the success of the 2026 edition served as confirmation that the event has found a permanent place on Manitoba’s multicultural calendar.
