The anticipated 8th edition of Lagos Leather Fair (LLF2025) has concluded successfully, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, marking a transformative milestone in Africa’s evolving leather industry. Under the forward-thinking theme “Designing for Tomorrow,” West Africa’s largest leather exhibition attracted a remarkable turnout of makers, designers, investors, and industry stakeholders from across the continent over two groundbreaking days.
Hon. Ajigbotafe shared, “Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to transforming the leather industry through innovation, sustainable practices, and economic diversification. We will continue to support initiatives like the Lagos Leather Fair that empower entrepreneurs, promote local industries, and position Lagos as a hub of creativity and industrial excellence.”
The second day elevated the fair’s impact through sessions focused on critical business fundamentals. The opening workshop, “Mastering the Art of Winning Grants,” delivered by Olugbenga Ogunbowale, the Grant Master, revealed the staggering reality facing African creatives and emphasised major challenges in funding applications, such as self-doubt, poorly written pitches, and the fear of rejection. African SMEs face a $331 billion funding shortfall, with the continent capturing just 2.9% of global creative funding, a mere $58 billion out of a $2 trillion market.
The panel conversation “The Art of Pricing: Cost vs. Craft” addressed one of the most nuanced challenges in the African fashion economy. The panel featured Adegboyega Adebanjo, Lead Advisor, Amethyst and Ashlar Advisory; Ifeyinwa Azubike, Creative Director, The Lady Maker; and Kanyisade Ademuson, Creative Director, Seventh Space. Key insights included Kanyisade Ademuson’s powerful statement:
“Nigerian ’doesn’t mean cheaper. If the quality is there, price with pride. If not, wait until it is.” He added, “You can’t price effectively without understanding every touchpoint of your product’s journey from materials to your business operations.” - emphasising the importance of understanding every touchpoint of a product’s journey from materials to business operations.
An intimate fireside chat with designer Mark Odiete, founder of Trax Apparel, provided insights into building authentic brands with international appeal while maintaining African identity. In his talk
“Making it on My Own Terms,” Odiete emphasised, “You don’t just build a brand-you build trust. That trust must exist within your team, your customers, and most importantly, yourself.”
The Leather Installation, an annual feature of LLF and a dedicated space showcasing stand-out pieces from selected brands and the magic and the versatility of leather, was beautifully curated by Kanyinsade Ademuson of Seventh Space.
The Maker’s Bench, active across both days, offered visitors a hands-on space to learn leathercraft basics from experienced leather experts, Otejiri Ejumabone, founder, HankerandReech and Benjamin Ohepo of Ohepo Leather Craft, reinforcing LLF’s role as a living ecosystem for skills development.
The dedicated Leather Installation, beautifully curated by Kanyinsade Ademuson of Seventh Space, showcased the magic and versatility of the material.
Throughout the two fair days, Schullzz curated a live playlist that underscored the fair’s vibrant energy and innovation.
The event was gracefully hosted by Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa, popularly known as Ronny G.
