The Federal Government has formally endorsed the Meet Africa Fashion Festival (MAFEST) 2026, pledging institutional support for the successful hosting of the continental fashion event in Nigeria.
The endorsement of the Presidency was conveyed to the President and Convener of MAFEST, Mr. Charles Ozoemena, in an official letter dated March 2, 2026.
The letter was signed by the Director overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, Ifiok Abia, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
According to the correspondence, the Federal Government acknowledged the festival’s strategic importance and its alignment with Nigeria’s broader economic and cultural development objectives.
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“The Secretary to the Government of the Federation has carefully considered your request and commends the initiative, particularly its objectives of promoting Africa’s creativity, innovation and the economic potential of the fashion and textile industry in the country. In this regard, the SGF has endorsed the 2026 edition of MAFEST,” the letter stated.
To ensure effective participation and seamless coordination of the event, the SGF designated the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy as the lead coordinating ministry for the festival.
The ministry is expected to work with other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) within the limits of their statutory responsibilities to facilitate collaboration and participation.
The SGF also advised the festival organisers to work closely with the lead ministry to coordinate engagement with federal agencies and authorities of the Federal Capital Territory, in line with established government procedures.
MAFEST is a pan-African creative economy platform designed to showcase indigenous African creativity and position the continent as a global fashion powerhouse.
The festival seeks to bridge the cotton, textile, and garment value chain while promoting eco-conscious, sustainable fashion practices across Africa.
Organisers say the platform presents Africa’s creative economy as a powerful driver of industrial growth, trade expansion, job creation and youth empowerment.
The 2026 edition of the festival is themed “Take Your Place Africa!”, a call encouraging Africans across borders to claim a stronger position in the global creative and economic landscape.
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The four-day event is expected to attract designers, investors, cultural diplomats, policymakers and media representatives from more than 20 African countries.
Activities lined up for the festival include exhibitions, runway showcases, business networking sessions and high-level engagements focused on strengthening Africa’s fashion and creative industries.
Other events scheduled for the festival include a continental conference, masterclasses and workshops, investment roundtables and a gala night grand finale celebrating Africa’s fashion heritage and manufacturing potential.
MAFEST also enjoys the support of several local and international partners, including Modela Couture Lagos, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa, Europe and the UK South, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, StyleAfrique Ghana and the Federal Ministry of Environment.
With the Federal Government’s formal backing, organisers say MAFEST 2026 is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading hub for Africa’s fashion and creative economy while promoting greater continental collaboration and global visibility for African designers and brands.