Refinement in the Air.
In Lagos, the first LuxAfrique Expo unfolded as more than a trade fair — it was a mood, a statement, and a glimpse of Africa’s next chapter in luxury.
The first LuxAfrique Luxury Expo, founded by Alexander Amosu, offered Lagos a platform it hadn’t seen before: a stage where African entrepreneurs and global leaders could debate the future of luxury on the continent. Being there, what struck me most was not simply the scale of the event but the sense of clarity emerging around African luxury.
Private investors are now placing serious bets on the sector. Figures like Ewaen Sorae (E. Sorae), Richie Shittu (Koko Beach) and Derrick Chike Memeh (Cascade Luxury) spoke with conviction about building experiences and products to rival global standards. Their message was clear: Africa can no longer wait for imports to define its aspirations.
Service came through as the next frontier. A new partnership between Curio Collection by Hilton and Koko Beach will establish a hospitality school, while Kunbi Uzochukwu of The Delborough underscored that scaling to Abuja would depend on consistency and training. Listening to these conversations, it was obvious that service is the bridge between ambition and trust.
Consumer trends added another layer. Jeremy Taylor (Boadicea the Victorious) shared that Nigeria now ranks among Harrods’ top three markets for their perfumes, while Tate Torongo (Clive Christian) highlighted how adapting authentically to Nigeria is helping to build loyalty. At the upper end, the enduring appeal of Hermès and Chanel reflects Nigeria’s place in the global luxury conversation.
The art discussion felt especially significant. Niel Coventry of Bonhams spoke about Nigerian modernism, from Ben Enwonwu’s works soon to appear at Tate Modern to new collectors buying pieces by Wole Lagunju and Kaineebi Osahenye. His advice was refreshingly straightforward: “Always buy what you like.” It captured the spirit of collecting as both cultural pride and personal journey.
Of course, challenges remain. Toks Aruoture reframed funding as not just financial capital but also networks and creativity, a point that resonated deeply. At the same time, the gaps in infrastructure — from warehousing to financial recognition for hospitality — remind us how much work is still needed.
Perhaps the most striking remark came from Richie Shittu, who said, “We need a Bernard Arnault of Nigeria.” It summed up the mood of the Expo: the pieces are on the table — investment, ambition, creativity — but leadership and cohesion will determine how far Africa can go in building a recognisable luxury industry.
For me, the Expo was more than a showcase. It was a signal that Africa is ready to define its own standards of luxury.