Lagos is set to host a three-day African beauty industry exhibition from October 5 to 7, 2026, with stakeholders expected to explore opportunities for business development, investment, innovation and skills growth in the sector.
The event will take place at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, bringing together beauty brands, exhibitors, professionals, industry experts and participants from several countries.
The organisers said the exhibition would provide a platform for showcasing African beauty, natural talents and creativity, while creating opportunities for businesses to expand their markets across the continent.
They said the initiative was also aligned with a Vision 2030 ambition to help grow the African beauty industry into a 100-billion-dollar sector and position the continent as a global hub for beauty innovation, brands, talent, manufacturing and investment.
Founder Beatrice Eneh, a beauty entrepreneur and African beauty market strategist, and Co-founder Linda Edozien, Founder and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Barazahi Spa, are leading the initiative.
According to the organisers, the broader objective is to develop an ecosystem where African beauty businesses can become more visible, structured, investment-ready and globally competitive.
The 2026 exhibition is expected to attract more than 300 brands, over 400 exhibitors, 10,000 beauty professionals, 60 speakers and 20 partners.
The organisers said the programme would include business and professional development sessions covering brand growth, digital influence, funding, sustainability, quality standards and the future of the African beauty industry.
A business pitch competition is also expected to provide selected beauty businesses with training, mentorship and an opportunity to present their businesses to judges for cash prizes and development support.
Finalists will also have access to further training and development opportunities aimed at supporting the growth and sustainability of their businesses.
Another feature will be a nail art competition, which will provide nail artists with an opportunity to demonstrate their technical and creative skills, gain industry recognition and access further development opportunities.
The organisers said winners would receive nail products valued at up to N1 million.
The exhibition is being produced in partnership with Fidelity Bank, Unilever and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), with the collaboration expected to provide businesses with access to finance, industry expertise and enterprise development support.
The organisers said the overall objective was to promote a more organised and globally competitive African beauty sector capable of creating employment, strengthening local value chains, supporting entrepreneurs and promoting African beauty products and expertise globally.
The Guardian
