Business
Beyond Banking: Why Zenith Bank Is Investing In Africa’s Creative Economy
signalling the growing role of corporate partnerships in promoting cultural enterprise
Zenith Bank Plc is deepening its investment in Africa’s creative economy through its continued sponsorship of ART X Lagos 2026, signalling the growing role of corporate partnerships in promoting cultural enterprise and positioning African creativity on the global stage.
The bank returns as a Silver Sponsor for the 11th edition of the international art fair, scheduled to hold from November 5 to 8 at the Federal Palace, Lagos, building on its support for the event’s tenth anniversary in 2025.
Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig in 2016, ART X Lagos has grown into a major platform connecting African artists, galleries, collectors and cultural institutions. It has attracted artists and galleries from more than 70 countries, with visitors from 170 nations.
Zenith Bank’s sponsorship will support two key programmes, ART X ICON and The Masterclass, reflecting a dual focus on preserving cultural heritage and developing emerging creative talent.
The ART X ICON programme will celebrate pioneering Nigerian potter Ladi Dosei Kwali through an exhibition titled Ladi Kwali: Beyond the Vessel, curated by Dr Jareh Das.
The exhibition will bring together ceramics and archival materials from the National Museum in Lagos, private collections and works by other women potters influenced by Kwali.
The Masterclass will select 10 emerging artists across disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, textiles, digital practice and ceramics, for engagement with established creative practitioners.
Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank, said the partnership reflected the bank’s belief that growing the creative economy required preserving cultural heritage while investing in emerging talent.
She said the bank remained committed to initiatives that unlock the economic and cultural value of Nigeria’s creative industry and expand African creativity’s global recognition.
ART X Lagos founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, said continued sponsorship was instrumental to sustaining the fair’s vision and creating opportunities for African creativity to thrive internationally.
Beyond the sponsorship, the partnership highlights the potential of cultural platforms to connect artistic expression with enterprise, skills development and international opportunities.
