The 2026 Fashion Career Fair in Lagos is set to bring together over 500 trained fashion workers and more than 100 fashion businesses. The event, organised by Obsidian Advisory Africa, will take place on October 22 and 23, 2026. It aims to address the gap between skills training and actual employment in the fashion industry. The fair will focus on recruitment, skills gaps, and connecting trained workers with businesses.
The 500 talents were trained through Obsidian’s Sprint Recruitment Program (SRP), designed to prepare participants for roles currently required across the fashion industry. They will be pre-matched with participating businesses based on their skills and available roles. This organised recruitment process will enable employers to find workers with the necessary skills. The programme seeks to move beyond general networking by connecting trained talents with businesses according to specific workforce requirements.
Founder and CEO of Obsidian Advisory Africa, Damilola Ademilokun, stated that the recruitment programme aims to address the gap between skills training and actual employment. The SRP allows for the preparation of talent for roles businesses need and brings employers into the Fair with a clearer view of available talent. This infrastructure will help get people hired by matching them with actual job requirements.
The event will begin with a virtual Talent Summit, where participants from across Nigeria will discuss careers, skills development, and employment opportunities in the fashion industry. This summit will set the stage for the physical Fashion Career Fair in Lagos. The virtual event will allow for a wider reach and participation.
The second day of the event will feature the Fashion Employer Town Hall and the physical Fashion Career Fair. The Employer Town Hall will bring fashion businesses and industry stakeholders together to discuss workforce requirements, skills gaps, and recruitment challenges. This discussion will precede the career fair, providing a platform for employers to share their needs.
The career fair will provide an opportunity for businesses to interview and engage prospective workers, with on-the-spot hiring and networking expected. Obsidian Advisory Africa, a workforce development firm, has worked with organisations such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Jobberman, Mastercard Foundation, GIZ, and Ethnocentrique on workforce and employment programmes.
The 2026 edition will be the fifth edition of the Fashion Career Fair. Obsidian Advisory Africa continues to play a significant role in linking talents with employment and business opportunities in Nigeria. The event is expected to make a positive impact on the fashion industry by addressing skills gaps and facilitating employment.
Key points
- Over 500 trained fashion workers to connect with 100+ businesses at the 2026 Fashion Career Fair in Lagos.
- The event aims to address the gap between skills training and actual employment in the fashion industry.
- The fair will feature a virtual Talent Summit and a physical Fashion Career Fair in Lagos.
