Following its first recession in over 20 years, Nigeria is open to diversifying its economy, with entrepreneurs countrywide betting on the leather industry.

In 2017, design and manufacturing entrepreneur Femi Olayebi launched the Lagos Leather Fair, to showcase Nigeria’s up-and-coming luxury leather market.

Now in its second year the show has given leather designers opportunities to trade connections, with big players from all sections of the industry invited.

It is expected that across Africa, Nigeria included, small and medium-sized businesses will create jobs and drive growth.

Nigerian entrepreneurs hope to open more stores, and in the future to rival Europe’s biggest design houses; hopefully leading to Nigerians buying home-made products instead of importing from abroad.