The National Fair on Trade, Skills & Culture for Women & Youth 2026
Trade, culture and skill —
built by Nigeria's women and youth.
A five-day national platform bringing together women and youth entrepreneurs, MSMEs, government, investors, development partners, buyers, creatives and the public for skills development, trade, enterprise growth, cultural expression, networking and market access.
Everything You Need to Know
What is the National Fair?
Clear, direct answers about who the Fair is for, what happens there, how to join, and why it is free for all attendees.
What is this?
The National Fair on Trade, Skills & Culture for Women & Youth 2026 is Nigeria's flagship five-day national gathering designed to stimulate the non-oil economy by empowering 20,000+ women and youth through hands-on technical skills, trade opportunities, enterprise growth, and cultural showcases.
Who is it for?
Women and youth entrepreneurs, MSMEs, artisans, creatives, job seekers, cooperative societies, students, government officials, investors, development partners, corporate buyers, and the public looking to discover Nigerian enterprise and talent.
What can I do there?
Participate in practical masterclasses across 10 skill categories; browse and buy from 700+ exhibition booths; attend B2B & B2G matchmaking sessions; watch or pitch in the Pitch-A-Thon for funding; and experience live cultural performances, fashion runways, and awards.
Why should I attend?
Gain export readiness and certified in-demand skills, connect directly with financial institutions and angel investors, access new local and international markets for your products, and forge lifelong partnerships with fellow innovators and policymakers.
Is it free?
Yes! Attendance, admission to all daily training masterclasses, mentor sessions, and MSME exhibition booth applications are 100% free of charge for registered participants.
How do I register?
Click any registration button on this site, choose how you would like to participate (Attend, Participate, or Partner), complete the 3-minute form, and receive your immediate confirmation reference code.
Where is it?
Exhibition Pavilion, Beside the International Conference Centre (ICC), Central Business District, Abuja, Nigeria.
When is it?
10 – 14 November 2026. Five full active days from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with evening cultural festivities.
20,000+
Expected participants
1,000+
Exhibitors
500
Skills training seats
₦20bn+
In deals across past editions
The rationale
Nigeria's non-oil economy runs on enterprises like these.
Women and youth make up over 60% of Nigeria's MSMEs, yet face structural barriers: limited access to finance, low export capacity, and inadequate technical skills — despite representing the country's greatest untapped potential in agriculture, creative industries, manufacturing, and digital services.
The Fair brings trade, culture, and skills development into one ecosystem — providing practical training, enterprise support, and market linkages that carry participants from local production toward export readiness and global competitiveness.
Our objectives
Six pillars,
one mission.
Capacity Building
Equip 500 women and youth with in-demand vocational, digital, and enterprise skills in export processes, packaging, branding, quality standards, and digital trade.
Market Access & Trade Promotion
Promote SME development and scalability across key sectors. Provide opportunities for SMEs to showcase products/services to local and international buyers.
Enterprise Scaling
Facilitate access to funding, partnerships, and business development support. Also enhance participants' export readiness and global competitiveness.
Cultural Promotion
Showcase Nigeria's diverse cultural heritage as an economic asset in the global market.
Youth & Women Empowerment
Increase participation of women and youth in high-value sectors and export markets. Empower about 36–50 businesses with seed funds and start-up grants.
Policy & Stakeholder Engagement
Foster dialogue between government, private sector, and development partners on SME growth and export policies.
Expected outcomes
Measurable results,
real lives changed.
- Enhanced visibility for over 1,000 youth and women-owned businesses.
- 500 participants trained and empowered.
- Business linkages with investors and partners.
- Skills and knowledge acquisition through empowerment sessions.
- Expanded trade and market opportunities.
- Strengthened collaboration between government, private sector, and youth/women groups.
- Increased number of SMEs ready for export markets.
- Enhanced visibility for locally made products.
- Recognition of impactful leaders and institutions.
What's inside
Eight components,
one ecosystem.
3-Day Free Skills Acquisition & Empowerment Training
500 participants trained across agro-processing, fashion, digital skills, export procedures, financial literacy, and more.
Trade, Entertainment and Cultural Exhibition
Free booths for 700+ youth and women-owned businesses, alongside cultural displays from across Nigeria's regions.
Business & Policy Dialogue Sessions
Panel discussions on export readiness, access to finance, and AfCFTA opportunities with government and financial institutions.
Business Empowerment & Seed Grants
Grants and start-up scaling capital awarded to standout women and youth entrepreneurs at the Gala Night.
Gala Night / Dinner
An exclusive black-tie / formal traditional evening celebrating Nigerian enterprise under the theme: 'Driving Nigeria’s Economy: Scaling Small & Medium Enterprises and the Non-Oil Sector into Export Readiness.'
Pitch-A-Thon (Business & MSME Pitches)
Competitive live pitching platform on 13 November for high-potential enterprises before an esteemed panel of venture judges and impact investors.
Partnership Pavilion
Booths for NGOs, government agencies, and private-sector partners offering resources and training.
Trade & Networking Lounge
Facilitates business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings, with access to local and international buyers.
MEET THE CEOs
Days 1, 2 & 3 • 10 – 12 November 2026
“An interactive conversation series bringing entrepreneurs, CEOs and business leaders together to discuss enterprise growth, branding, market access, sustainability, trade and opportunities for Nigerian businesses.”
Panelists and participating CEOs for each respective day will be announced progressively.
Leadership, Enterprise Scaling & Non-Oil Vision
Market Access, Policy Support & Global Competitiveness
Creative Economy, Trade Linkages & Brand Equity
Training tracks
Pick your skill,
not a generic seat.
Digital & technology
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- Photography, Video Editing & Content Creation
- +1 more
Entrepreneurship & business
- Financial Literacy
- Branding & Product Packaging
- Sales & Customer Relations
- Export Readiness
- +1 more
Vocational & creative
- Crafts — Bead Making & Leatherwork
- Makeup Artistry
- Event Planning & Decoration
- Catering & Baking
- +1 more
Agriculture & green economy
- Modern Farming Techniques
- Agribusiness Development
- Poultry Farming
- Fish Farming
- +1 more
Five Days • 10 – 14 November 2026
The programme
Opening Ceremony for Skills Festival / The Dialogue
Official grand opening of the skills festival featuring opening ceremony, high-level ministerial addresses, inspirational keynote presentation, insightful sessions from distinguished guest speakers, and the interactive Meet the CEOs panel.
The Dialogue
Strategic policy dialogues and government support frameworks for enterprise, the Minister’s speech, visionary keynote, presentations from guest speakers, and the Meet the CEOs panel.
Opening of Trade Fair / Trade Dialogue
Official launch of the multi-sector trade exhibition booths, visionary keynote, guest speaker presentations, and the interactive Meet the CEOs panel.
Fair After Dark
The official evening meeting carnival of the National Fair. When the day's trade concludes, Abuja lights up with live concerts, DJ sets, comedy, executive networking lounges, gourmet food, and vibrant networking energy.
Pitch-A-Thon – Business & MSME Pitches
High-stakes daytime Pitch-A-Thon competition featuring live business and MSME pitches before seasoned investors and venture partners for seed funds and startup grants.
Gala, Dinner and Award Night
The prestigious evening Gala, Dinner and Award Night celebrating non-oil economic champions, featuring the launch of the landmark empowerment initiative, executive keynote, royal dignitaries, and enterprise awards.
Official Closing Ceremony
The official closing ceremony marking the conclusion of the summit sessions, presentation of participant certificates, summary of policy resolutions, and valedictory addresses.
Cultural Festival & Grand Finale Spectacular
The exuberant nationwide grand finale celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage, enterprise, and cultural identity with historic dance troupes, indigenous artisan displays, high-fashion runway, masquerade performances, regional food villages, and living heritage from all 36 States and FCT.
PITCH-A-THON
Business & MSME Pitches
Empowering Nigeria’s next generation of scalable, export-ready enterprises.
Women and youth entrepreneurs, startup founders, innovators, and registered MSME owners across Nigeria with viable, scalable products or services looking to scale or enter export markets.
- Registered business entity in Nigeria (CAC registration or accredited cooperative society)
- Founded or co-founded by women or youth (aged 18–35)
- Operating in priority growth sectors: Agriculture & Agro-processing, Fashion & Textiles, Digital Technology & AI, Creative Arts, Green Economy, Light Manufacturing, and Services
- Must have a functional minimum viable product (MVP), prototype, or existing commercial sales traction
- Demonstrable potential for job creation, value addition, and export orientation
Incentives & Acceleration
What participants receive
Equity-Free Seed Grants & Scaling Capital
Direct grant funding and cash prizes awarded to top-ranking pitches to finance equipment, inventory, and working capital.
Investor & Lending Syndicates
Direct access to angel investors, venture capital funds, and concessionary low-interest MSME loan facilities.
6-Month Post-Fair Executive Mentorship
Structured mentorship from verified industry CEOs and export advisory consultants.
AfCFTA & NEPC Export Readiness Track
Fast-tracked onboarding into national and continental export promotion channels.
National Recognition at the Gala, Dinner and Award Night
Winners are celebrated on stage before governors, ministers, and corporate leaders at the Gala, Dinner and Award Night.
Distinguished investor panel comprising seasoned angel investors, venture capitalists, senior banking executives (Bank of Industry, Development Bank of Nigeria), international development partners, and successful industrial CEOs. (Judges will be unveiled progressively).
GALA, DINNER AND AWARD NIGHT
The 2026 Executive Gala & Enterprise Awards
“Driving Nigeria’s Economy: Scaling Small & Medium Enterprises and the Non-Oil Sector into Export Readiness.”
Friday, 13 November 2026
Time: 6:30 PM (Red Carpet) • 7:30 PM (Dinner & Proceedings) — TBC
Grand Banquet Hall, Exhibition Pavilion, Beside ICC, Abuja
Black Tie / Formal Traditional Elegance — TBC
Distinguished Industry & Policy Leader — TBC
Chairman: Prominent Captain of Industry & Enterprise Patron — TBC
Royal Father/Mother: Eminent Traditional Ruler & Cultural Custodian — TBC
Orchestral performances, cultural musical ensembles, headline comedy, and live contemporary acoustics.
State Governors, Honourable Ministers, Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Financial Institutions, Multilateral Country Directors, and Private Sector Titans — TBC
Launch of the Empowerment Initiative
The official national unveiling of the Inspired to Lead Multi-Year Women & Youth Enterprise Empowerment Initiative, establishing sustainable funding pipelines, export clusters, and annual mentorship cohorts across Nigeria.
Enterprise & Leadership Awards
Honouring individuals, innovative enterprises, financial institutions, and state governments pioneering non-oil enterprise development.
Reserve your table or seat for the Gala Night
VIP registration & corporate sponsorship reservations.
FAIR AFTER DARK
Music. Networking. Energy.
The official evening meeting carnival of the National Fair. When the day's trade concludes, Abuja lights up with live concerts, DJ sets, comedy, executive networking lounges, gourmet food, and unmatched meeting energy.
Music performances
Live stage sets from celebrated Nigerian headliners and dynamic rising artists.
DJ sets
High-octane Afrobeats, Amapiano, highlife, and global fusion sets.
Comedy
Side-splitting live stand-up comedy from Nigeria's favorite comedy talents.
Fire dancers
Mesmerizing acrobatic fire performances and night-sky visual artistry.
Executive networking mixers
Curated social lounges connecting founders, corporate titans, and delegates.
Food
Curated night-market food stalls, gourmet grills, street food, and craft beverages.
Networking
Vibrant social lounges connecting creatives, founders, and fair delegates.
Entertainment
Immersive photo moments, interactive games, and festival energy all night long.
Lineup & Headline Performers
Performers, musical headliners and special guests will be announced progressively ahead of November.
CLOSING CEREMONY & CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Celebrating Nigeria’s Heritage, Diversity, and Creative Power.
The grand finale of the National Fair. Day 5 turns the spotlight to Nigeria’s unparalleled cultural wealth, uniting craftspeople, dancers, royal masquerades, culinary masters, and fashion designers from all 36 States and the FCT into one vibrant, unforgettable spectacle.
Cultural Dances
High-energy traditional dance troupes performing historic rhythms from across Nigeria — Bata and Gbedu drummers from the South West, Swange and Koroso from the North Central and North West, Atilogwu and Nkwa Umuagbogho from the South East, and the agile aquatic masquerade dances of the Niger Delta.
Traditional Displays
Live demonstrations by master craftspeople showcasing time-honoured Nigerian techniques: bronze and brass casting, pottery making, calabash carving, beadwork, leather tanning, and traditional loom textile weaving.
Fashion Parade
A vibrant runway spectacle celebrating modern Nigerian afro-centric fashion and indigenous textiles. Featuring collections created by emerging women and youth designers trained during the Fair’s fashion masterclass cohorts.
Masquerade
Spectacular, ceremonial masquerade appearances representing folklore, ancestral wisdom, harvest celebrations, and cultural protection, bringing festival grounds alive with theatrical majesty and energetic crowd interaction.
Local Delicacies
A grand gastronomic journey through Nigeria’s rich food cultures. Artisanal chefs and local cooks serving authentic delicacies from every region in an open-air food village.
Cultural Groups from Different Parts of Nigeria
Colourful state delegations, youth troupes, and ethnic associations hailing from all six geopolitical zones: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West — coming together under one roof in a spirited celebration of national solidarity.
Closing Remarks
The official valedictory ceremony summarizing the fair's achievements, attendance records, economic impact, presentation of completion certificates to 500+ trainees, and the Fair Convenor's formal farewell address launching the next chapter.
Photo/Video Highlights
Interactive memory hubs, 360-degree photo booths, documentary highlight reel screening capturing highlights from all 5 days of the Fair, media interview zones, and commemorative souvenir portrait spots.
Moments of Heritage, Masquerade & Living Tradition
Real snapshots from past editions and cultural delegates across Nigeria.
Admission to Day 5 is 100% Free for all participants, families, and attendees.
“The 2026 National Fair is a strategic platform to catalyze inclusive economic growth by equipping women and youth with the tools, knowledge, and networks required to scale their enterprises and compete globally. By focusing on export readiness and the non-oil sector, the initiative aligns with Nigeria's long-term economic diversification goals.”
Your seat at the table
is free. Take it.
Registration takes under three minutes and includes your skill choice, exhibitor booth, or both.