LAGOS, Nigeria — Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) will return to Lagos in December 2026, with organisers opening applications for designers ahead of a two day fashion showcase expected to form part of the city’s busy Detty December season.
The event is scheduled for December 12 and 13, 2026, at the John Randle Museum for Yoruba Culture & History in Onikan, Lagos Island, bringing together fashion designers, models, buyers, influencers, media, fashion enthusiasts and other industry players.
The return of AFWN follows the latest edition of Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL), which organisers said recorded a sold out event. The Nigeria edition is expected to carry the momentum from London back to Lagos, where December has become a major period for entertainment, tourism, shopping and social events.
The organisers are inviting designers and fashion brands to apply for spaces at the 2026 event, with opportunities to showcase collections on the runway and exhibit products directly to visitors.
AFWN said the timing of the event is intended to give participating brands access to consumers during one of Lagos’ busiest shopping and social periods, when Nigerians living abroad return to the country and international visitors arrive for the December festivities.
Participating designers will be able to present their latest collections on the catwalk while engaging fashion lovers, shoppers, diaspora Nigerians, influencers and industry insiders.
The exhibition will also provide brands with an opportunity to sell directly to customers and develop new commercial relationships.
Organisers are also positioning the event as a platform for content creation, with runway appearances, street style coverage and creator activity expected to generate material for fashion brands and their digital audiences.
The event will provide opportunities for designers to connect with media organisations, buyers, stylists, creators and other professionals working across Africa’s fashion industry.
“There’s nothing quite like December in Lagos. The city comes alive. The diaspora is back. Visitors are flying in. Events are selling out. Everyone is making plans, making memories, and of course, figuring out what they’re going to wear,” the organisers said.
The 2026 edition will combine fashion with music, networking and other activities associated with Lagos’ December season.
“This isn’t just another fashion event. It’s Detty December in Lagos,” organisers said.
They described the period as a time when “the city is buzzing, the diaspora is home and everyone wants to know what’s happening, what’s new and who’s next.”
Brands interested in participating are being encouraged to secure their places, with organisers saying available spaces are limited.
The programme will include runway showcases and exhibitions, allowing brands to choose how they want to engage with the AFWN audience.
Africa Fashion Week Nigeria describes itself as a platform for African fashion and emerging creative talent. It brings together designers, models and fashion enthusiasts to showcase African heritage, innovation and craftsmanship.
The event features runway shows, exhibitions and networking opportunities aimed at creating opportunities for emerging designers to gain exposure and connect with established players in the fashion industry.
AFWN also seeks to bring traditional African influences into contemporary fashion, showcasing designs ranging from bold prints to modern interpretations of African style.
The 2026 edition will be held at the John Randle Museum for Yoruba Culture & History in Onikan, Lagos Island, on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13.
Designer applications and registration for attendees are now open
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