Leadway, Nigeria’s financial and wellbeing group, has opened registration for small and medium enterprises to take part in the Leadway Lifestyle Fair 2.0, which will be staged in Lagos on 24 and 25 October 2026.
What the fair offers SMEs
The two-day event is designed to connect businesses directly with consumers, offering opportunities to sell products, test offerings and expand their customer base. Organisers say the fair will broaden the scope established at the inaugural 2025 edition by placing greater emphasis on the intersection of enterprise, culture and daily life in Nigeria.
- Application opened: 31 August 2026 via Leadway Group’s official social channels.
- Event dates: 24–25 October 2026.
- Host location: Lagos, Nigeria.
- Who should apply: SMEs in business, entertainment, creative and lifestyle sectors.
Organisers emphasise that the fair is tailored to small and medium enterprises seeking direct market feedback and new distribution channels. Businesses selected to participate will be able to showcase goods and services, engage with potential customers and create partnerships with other brands and media.
Why Leadway is backing the event
Representatives from the Leadway Group discussed the fair’s goals during a stakeholder engagement on 27 August at L’eola Hotel, the company’s hospitality unit in Maryland, Lagos. The meeting gathered entrepreneurs, SME stakeholders, journalists and media professionals to outline the event’s vision and the opportunities on offer.
On behalf of the Leadway Group, the managing director and chief executive officer of Leadway PFA stressed the central role of SMEs in national economic activity and the need to expand platforms that enable small businesses to grow.
“In Nigeria, SMEs account for about 48% of the economy, underscoring their critical role in driving enterprise, employment and economic activity,”
The statement highlighted the fair’s aim to bolster participation by providing visible market access and by facilitating consumer engagement — practical benefits that businesses often cite as key to scaling operations.
Practical takeaways for interested SMEs
Small businesses considering entry should note the following:
- Monitor Leadway Group’s official social media channels for application details and selection criteria.
- Prepare product samples, pricing information and short presentations that communicate brand story and market fit.
- Consider how to capture leads at the fair — contact forms, QR codes linking to online shops or social pages, and promotional offers can help convert visitors into customers.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Registration opened | 31 August 2026 |
| Event dates | 24–25 October 2026 |
| Venue | Lagos, Nigeria |
Organisers say the fair will build on its 2025 foundation to create a more expansive showcase, centred on product discovery and meaningful business-to-consumer interactions. For SMEs, participation offers a chance to test new products in a concentrated marketplace and to connect with media and sector professionals who attended the recent stakeholder session.
For entrepreneurs hoping to use the fair as a springboard, early preparation will be key: clear branding, concise pitches and mechanisms to capture sales and customer data will help turn foot traffic into lasting business relationships.
