Made in Nigeria to Showcase Akwute at the World Textile and Shoe Expo 2026 in Barcelona By Made in Nigeria Project Office, Abuja

Nigeria's rich textile heritage will take centre stage on the global fashion and manufacturing platform as the National Brands Development, Made in Nigeria Project Office, under The Presidency, prepares to showcase Akwute, one of Nigeria's iconic indigenous fabrics, at the World Textile and Shoe Expo 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

Scheduled to hold from 21st to 23rd October 2026 during the Barcelona Texture Expo, the international exhibition will provide Nigerian textile manufacturers, fashion designers, footwear producers, and investors with an opportunity to promote the country's growing textile industry and expand access to global markets.

Promoting Nigeria's Indigenous Textile Heritage

The exhibition forms part of the Made in Nigeria Project Office's commitment to promoting locally made products and positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for quality textiles and fashion manufacturing.

Among the highlights of Nigeria's participation will be Akwute, a distinctive indigenous fabric renowned for its vibrant colours, intricate craftsmanship, durability, and deep cultural significance. The fabric represents the creativity, identity, and rich artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations of Nigerian artisans.

By introducing Akwute to an international audience, Nigeria aims to showcase the country's unique cultural assets while creating new commercial opportunities for local producers.

Taking Nigerian Textiles to the Global Market

The World Textile and Shoe Expo is expected to attract manufacturers, fashion brands, distributors, retailers, investors, designers, and buyers from across Europe, Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world.

Nigeria's participation will provide a platform to:

• Showcase indigenous fabrics such as Akwute.

• Promote Made-in-Nigeria textiles and footwear.

• Connect local manufacturers with international buyers.

• Attract foreign investment into Nigeria's textile sector.

• Expand export opportunities.

• Strengthen global recognition of Nigerian craftsmanship.

The event aligns with Nigeria's broader strategy of increasing non-oil exports through value-added manufacturing.

Supporting the Made-in-Nigeria Vision

The participation of the Made in Nigeria Project Office reflects the Federal Government's commitment to promoting local industries under the Nigeria First Policy and the national drive to encourage the production and consumption of Made-in-Nigeria goods.

By taking indigenous products like Akwute to global exhibitions, the initiative seeks to:

• Encourage local manufacturing.

• Support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Create employment opportunities.

• Increase export earnings.

• Enhance Nigeria's global brand image.

• Stimulate industrial development.

The exhibition demonstrates that Nigerian products can compete favourably on the international stage when quality, innovation, and cultural authenticity are effectively showcased.

Showcasing Nigeria's Footwear Industry

In addition to textiles, the expo will highlight Nigeria's growing leather and footwear industry.

With internationally recognized leather clusters in Aba, Kano, and other manufacturing centres, Nigerian shoe producers continue to gain recognition for quality craftsmanship and competitive pricing.

The World Textile and Shoe Expo provides another opportunity to position Nigerian footwear as a preferred product in global markets while strengthening partnerships with international distributors and retailers.

Creating New Investment Opportunities

International trade exhibitions remain one of the most effective platforms for attracting investment and building commercial partnerships.

By participating in the Barcelona expo, Nigerian businesses will have the opportunity to:

• Meet international buyers.

• Explore export contracts.

• Secure distribution partnerships.

• Attract foreign direct investment.

• Exchange industry knowledge.

• Learn about emerging global textile trends.

Such engagements are expected to strengthen Nigeria's position within the global textile and fashion value chain.

Preserving Culture Through Commerce

Beyond its commercial importance, showcasing Akwute represents a celebration of Nigeria's cultural heritage.

Traditional fabrics are more than clothing materials; they embody history, identity, artistry, and community values. Presenting these fabrics on an international platform helps preserve indigenous knowledge while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local weavers, designers, and textile entrepreneurs.

This blend of cultural preservation and commercial promotion reflects the growing importance of the creative economy in national development.

Barcelona: A Gateway to European Markets

Hosting the exhibition in Barcelona, Spain, one of Europe's renowned centres for fashion, design, and trade, offers Nigerian exhibitors access to a wide network of international industry stakeholders.

Participation in the event is expected to enhance the visibility of Nigerian textile products across European and global markets while strengthening trade relations between Nigeria and international partners.

Looking Ahead

The World Textile and Shoe Expo 2026 presents an important opportunity for Nigeria to showcase the quality, creativity, and global potential of its textile and footwear industries. By featuring Akwute alongside other Made-in-Nigeria products, the National Brands Development, Made in Nigeria Project Office is reinforcing its commitment to promoting indigenous manufacturing, expanding exports, and strengthening Nigeria's position in the international marketplace.

As buyers, investors, and fashion industry leaders gather in Barcelona from 21st to 23rd October 2026, Nigeria will not only display its rich cultural heritage but also demonstrate that locally produced textiles and footwear are capable of competing on the world stage. The exhibition marks another significant step in advancing the Made-in-Nigeria agenda, creating new opportunities for local manufacturers, and positioning Nigeria as a rising force in the global textile and fashion industry.