No fewer than 10,000 fashion producers are expected to converge at Aba, Abia State, for the second edition of The Fashion Games 2026 (TFG 2026), an industry-focused event aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fashion production ecosystem.
The event is being organised by Ethnocentrique Ltd. and is expected to bring together fashion producers, designers, policymakers, buyers, and other stakeholders across the fashion value chain.
In a statement issued on Monday, Irunna Ejibe, Chief Executive Officer of Ethnocentrique Ltd., said the 2026 edition is themed “AHIA 360” and is designed to present a more structured and holistic fashion market experience while showcasing ongoing efforts to develop a functional fashion economy in Aba and across Nigeria.
According to Irunna Ejibe, the programme is scheduled to hold on April 28 and April 29, 2026, across two venues and will feature a mix of industry engagements and public exhibitions.
She explained that the first day would host a curated industry session targeting buyers, policymakers, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on improving collaboration across the sector.
The second day would feature a large public showcase at the Enyimba International Stadium.
Ejibe noted that the maiden edition in 2025 recorded about 4,500 participants and engaged over 1,400 MSMEs.
She added that about 2,000 trainees graduated under the Fashion Future Programme, implemented in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
She said the initiative is aimed at expanding enterprise opportunities for local producers through partnerships involving government, private sector players, and apprenticeship systems.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of Ethnocentrique Ltd., Jeremiah Ubunamah, said the Aba fashion cluster has the potential to grow into a multi-billion-dollar industry if properly supported with infrastructure and policy frameworks.
According to Jeremiah Ubunamah, the fashion ecosystem in Aba could be worth up to three billion dollars within the next five to ten years if key challenges such as finance, intellectual property protection, and market access are addressed.
He explained that the event would help bridge existing gaps in the industry by connecting producers with buyers, investors, and policymakers.
Ubunamah added that the first day of the event will include deal-making sessions where selected MSMEs will pitch their products and production capacity to potential investors and partners, with agreements expected to be signed during the engagement.
He further stated that the second day will feature a public showcase, including graduation ceremonies for participants of the Fashion Future Programme, cluster parade competitions involving 25 production clusters, and runway presentations by emerging designers and MSMEs.
The organisers said the initiative is part of broader efforts to position Aba as a major fashion production hub in Africa while improving access to structured markets and financing for local producers.
