Sterling Bank Powers AFWN x MBN Fest 2025, Driving Nigeria’s $4.7bn Creative Economy Forward
By TEMITOPE ADEBAYO
Sterling Bank has deepened its commitment to Nigeria’s creative sector by partnering with Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) and the Made by Nigerians Festival (MBN Fest) 2025, a collaboration designed to empower local creatives, expand commercial opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global fashion marketplace.
The two-day festival, held on December 20–21, 2025, brought together leading designers, emerging fashion entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders in Lagos. It served as both a showcase of Nigerian talent and a retail fair powered by Made By Nigerians, enabling entrepreneurs to sell directly to thousands of visitors while building long-term brand recognition.
Nigeria’s creative economy, valued at $4.7 billion, continues to grow rapidly, with fashion at its forefront. Sterling Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Don Okpako, underscored the bank’s vision, saying, “Entrepreneurship has always shaped Nigeria’s progress. At Sterling, our role is to enable the people creating the value that moves this nation forward. Our partnership with AFWN x MBN Fest 2025 reflects that commitment, and we are proud to support the businesses driving creativity, growth, and opportunity.” He emphasized that fashion is increasingly vital to youth employment, cultural visibility, and national progress, making the partnership both timely and strategic.
Chidimma Okoli, Chief Project Officer at Made By Nigerians, described the collaboration as a breakthrough for local entrepreneurs: “AFWN x MBN Fest 2025 created access where many entrepreneurs previously faced barriers.
It gave Nigerian brands a space to be seen, connect with buyers, and grow with confidence in a market that rewards authenticity and innovation.” She noted that the fair aligns with MBN’s broader mission of creating measurable economic opportunities for entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s cultural and commercial identity.
Founder and Executive Director of Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and London, Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, expressed optimism about the impact of the 2025 edition: “AFWN was created to help African designers scale, and this partnership strengthens that purpose even further.
Working with Sterling Bank and MBN increases the visibility, training, and commercial support available to talents ready for global demand.” She added that this year’s edition stands among the most inclusive and commercially impactful showcases to date, spotlighting the next generation of fashion innovators.
Sterling Bank’s collaboration with AFWN and MBN Fest sets the stage for a transformative showcase of African creativity, entrepreneurship, and ambition. By bridging finance and fashion, the partnership highlights Nigeria’s creative talent while reinforcing the country’s growing influence in the global creative economy.
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