The organisers of the Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) have announced that the 2025 edition will focus on dismantling structural barriers that hinder the growth and global competitiveness of Africa’s leather industry.
Set to take place in Lagos from June 28 to 29, the fair will bring together designers, artisans, entrepreneurs, and investors from across Africa and beyond. The aim is to confront pressing challenges in innovation, technology, funding, and market access — all identified as critical obstacles to unlocking the continent’s leather potential.
Describing Africa’s leather sector as a “sleeping giant bursting with potential,” LLF Convener Femi Olayebi said the 2025 fair is not just another event but a movement committed to sparking critical dialogue and connecting leatherpreneurs with tools for real progress. This year’s theme, Designing for Tomorrow, is described as a call to action demanding innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the industry.
Since its launch in 2017, LLF has become a vital platform for stimulating economic activity within Africa’s leather value chain. But this year’s edition aims to go further by tackling systemic constraints such as poor infrastructure, lack of access to quality raw materials, weak supply chains, inadequate financing, and slow adoption of modern production technology.
Beyond product exhibitions, LLF 2025 will feature conversations led by 18 industry experts exploring topics like artificial intelligence in leather design, cross-border transactions, and strategies for brand growth. Masterclasses and panel discussions will provide in-depth insights on how technology, design, and finance can be leveraged to accelerate Africa’s presence in the global leather market.
Organisers say the fair is evolving into a year-round platform for transformation, not just an annual event. Curated exhibitions will showcase premium leather goods from across the continent, while runway shows will spotlight innovative designs. The LLF Awards will also return to recognise pioneers shaping the future of African leather.
“We are building more than a showcase. LLF 2025 is about delivering solutions that equip artisans and entrepreneurs to take their place on the global stage,” Olayebi said.
