By Henry Obetta

Wema Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and small businesses with its return as the headline sponsor of Fashion Souk 2026, one of Nigeria’s foremost fashion and lifestyle exhibitions.

The bank said the platform remains a “strategic avenue for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners to showcase their products and services, engage customers, expand professional networks, and drive business growth.”

According to the bank, its partnership with Fashion Souk has continued to deliver measurable economic impact, particularly for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and women-led businesses.
Data from the 2025 editions of the exhibition showed that Wema Bank facilitated more than N1.5 billion in SME revenue across the June and December Lagos events.

A total of 315 businesses participated in the two editions, with female-led enterprises accounting for over 90 per cent of exhibitors.

The bank noted that the figures reflect its sustained efforts to “promote women’s economic empowerment and strengthen the SME ecosystem, which remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy.”

Buoyed by the success of previous editions, Wema Bank said the 2026 programme will feature two editions of Fashion Souk, “providing participating businesses with increased opportunities to access new markets, enhance brand visibility, attract customers, and grow their operations.”

It added that the initiative aligns with its broader commitment to entrepreneurship development, economic inclusion, and sustainable business growth, particularly among women-owned enterprises and emerging brands.

Fashion Souk has evolved into a major platform for connecting businesses with consumers while fostering innovation and collaboration within Nigeria’s fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and creative industries.