Sterling Bank Leads Push To Unlock Nigeria’s $4.7bn Creative Economy

According to Ireporter Online, Sterling Bank has joined forces with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s fashion and creative space to help unlock the country’s creative economy, estimated at $4.7 billion, as it served as headline sponsor of the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria x Made By Nigerians Festival 2025 (AFWN x MBN Fest 2025).

The two-day festival convened leading African designers alongside more than 250 emerging fashion creatives and trade entrepreneurs, offering a high-impact platform for Nigerian brands to display their products, engage local and international audiences, and expand their commercial footprint.

The event came at a time when fashion continues to rank among the fastest-growing segments of Nigeria’s creative industry, reinforcing its role as a driver of employment, youth engagement and global cultural visibility.

The festival placed particular emphasis on designers with three to seven years of industry experience, increasing their exposure while strengthening pathways for entry into global markets. This year’s edition also doubled as a Made By Nigerians-powered retail fair, allowing entrepreneurs to sell directly to thousands of visitors while building sustainable brand recognition.

Speaking at the event, Sterling Bank’s Chief Marketing Officer, Don Okpako, said the bank remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs whose innovations are reshaping Nigeria’s economic future. He noted that beyond its strategic “HEART” focus areas—health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and transportation—the bank has consistently invested in the creative economy to drive job creation, community development and international recognition for Nigerian talent.

According to him, entrepreneurship has always played a central role in Nigeria’s progress, and Sterling Bank’s partnership with AFWN x MBN Fest 2025 reflects its resolve to empower businesses that fuel creativity, growth and opportunity. He added that the collaboration was both timely and strategic, given fashion’s expanding contribution to youth employment and national branding.

Chief Project Officer of Made By Nigerians, Chidimma Okoli, described the partnership as a major boost to the organisation’s mission of equipping Nigerian creators with access to markets, tools and visibility needed for sustainable growth. She explained that MBN continues to serve as a launchpad for local brands ready to scale, while strengthening Nigeria’s creative exports.

Okoli said the festival helped dismantle long-standing barriers faced by entrepreneurs by providing a space where Nigerian brands could connect with buyers, gain confidence and grow in a market that values originality and innovation. She added that the initiative aligns with MBN’s broader goal of creating measurable economic opportunities for businesses 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 2025 edition, describing it as one of the most inclusive and commercially impactful showcases to date. She noted that Africa Fashion Week Nigeria was established to help African designers scale, and partnerships with Sterling Bank and Made By Nigerians have further strengthened that mission.

According to her, the collaboration expanded access to training, mentorship and commercial opportunities for designers poised for global demand, while laying the foundation for a strong end-of-year celebration of African creativity, entrepreneurship and ambition. She added that the partnership showcased the next generation of fashion innovators while reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global creative marketplace.