By Ayomide Otitoju
The countdown to the 8th edition of the Lagos Leather Fair (LLF) has begun with a high-impact masterclass marking the grand finale of the LLF Accelerator Programme, a flagship initiative designed to empower emerging leather designers.
From June 2 to 4, selected participants from the Accelerator programme took part in a three-day, in-person workshop facilitated by internationally acclaimed fashion consultant and CEO of Fashion Africa 254, Waridi Wardah. The session, titled “Building Brand Identity and Uniqueness,” offered intensive training in product design, storytelling, branding, and navigating the fine line between creative passion and commercial viability.
According to organizers, the masterclass provided a rare opportunity for one-on-one mentorship with Waridi, who brought decades of global fashion expertise to the table. It marked the culmination of a four-week immersive accelerator curriculum comprising expert-led modules on entrepreneurship, supply chain, branding, and technology.
Key facilitators during the earlier sessions included:
Abimbola Azeh (Mona Mathews Ventures): Foundations of Leather Craft Entrepreneurship
Moremi Onabolu (Twin Institute): Business Operations and Management
Opeyemi Olugbemiro & Uche Egele: Branding and Marketing Strategy
Scott C. Eneje: AI Technology in Leather Design
Chioma Ukpabi (Suwk Technologies): Pitching and Networking
Participants also engaged in pitching sessions to present refined business concepts, with the top three set to receive Business Support Funds to scale their brands.
Themed “Designing for Tomorrow,” LLF2025 is scheduled to bring together Africa’s top fashion minds for two days of exhibitions, runway shows, masterclasses, and networking events. Organizers say this year’s fair will spotlight innovation and elevate Africa’s leather industry to new global heights.
