The Molèbi Art and Craft Exhibition 2026 convened over 300 artists, designers and business owners on 31 May at the Mauve 21 Event Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, aiming to celebrate African cultural heritage while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the creative sector.
Key details of the gathering include:
- More than three hundred participants from the creative, cultural and business communities attended.
- The venue was the Mauve 21 Event Centre on Ring Road, Ibadan.
- Organisers stated that Molèbi remains committed to promoting culture, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Sponsors such as Planet Bottling Company, Sumal Foods, Deloy Consulting and Likeminds Hospital supported the event.
- Media partners included Fresh FM, Splash FM and Honor FM, among others.
What types of works were on display?
The exhibition featured a wide array of handmade crafts, original artworks, Afro‑centric fashion, accessories, poetry, live performances, folklore, African music and interactive games. Each showcase was designed to honour the continent’s cultural legacy and to inspire fresh creative ideas.
How did the event support entrepreneurs?
Participants were given space to meet potential customers, forge professional relationships and raise awareness of their offerings. The platform also enabled content creators to generate material for audiences interested in African art, fashion and culture, thereby expanding their digital reach.
Why is cultural entrepreneurship important for the economy?
The show underscored how preserving indigenous knowledge and artistic traditions can be turned into viable commercial ventures. By linking cultural identity with modern market demands, creators demonstrated that heritage can serve as a springboard for innovative business models within the creative economy.
What role did collaboration play?
Businesses, media outlets and digital platforms collaborated to build a sustainable creative ecosystem. Their involvement highlighted the necessity of partnerships for entrepreneurs seeking visibility and broader audience access.
The exhibition brought together diverse segments of the creative value chain—makers, performers, media professionals and consumers—creating a fertile environment for networking and future collaborations. Molèbi announced plans to host additional programmes that will continue to preserve cultural heritage, encourage innovation and empower the next generation of African creatives.
As Nigeria pursues broader economic diversification, initiatives that merge cultural expression with enterprise development provide a clear pathway for creatives to convert talent into profitable enterprises while reinforcing African identity.