International Focus launches in Lagos ahead of Johannesburg fair
This year, RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026 places Nigeria at the centre of its International Focus programme, spotlighting one of the continent’s most dynamic art scenes while strengthening cultural and market connections across Africa.
The programme launched in Lagos on 15 April 2026 with a curated exhibition at MILIKI Lagos. The exhibition marks the beginning of a cross-continental project that will culminate at the Fair in Johannesburg from 22 to 24 May 2026.
Developed in partnership with Yenwa Gallery, the exhibition introduces a selection of contemporary Nigerian artists who will present their work in Lagos before exhibiting again within the Nigeria Pavilion in Johannesburg.
“Initiatives like the International Focus programme allow us to engage meaningfully with artists and cultural communities across Africa,” says Lucy MacGarry, co-founder of Latitudes. “Nigeria Focus creates an opportunity to build lasting relationships while bringing new perspectives into the Fair.”
“At RMB we are committed to supporting platforms that strengthen the creative economy and enable connection across Africa’s creative markets,” adds Linda Kachingwe-Sisya. “The Nigeria Focus reflects the collaborative spirit at the heart of the Fair.”
Lagos exhibition
The Lagos exhibition was shaped through an open call, bringing together a dynamic mix of contemporary practices from across Nigeria. It also serves as a key moment of connection within the country’s art ecosystem, convening collectors, curators and cultural leaders ahead of the Fair.
The collaboration with Yenwa Gallery is rooted in a shared intention to deepen connections between Nigeria and the broader African art landscape, creating opportunities for artists to access new audiences and engage with collectors across the continent.
Following the Lagos presentation, participating artists will travel to Johannesburg, where their work will be showcased to a wider network of collectors, galleries and institutions.
A growing continental platform
Since its introduction in 2023, the International Focus programme has evolved into a key platform for cross-continental exchange, combining in-country exhibitions with presentations at the Fair.
“Working within each country before the Fair allows us to collaborate with artists and cultural practitioners in their own contexts,” says Boitumelo Makousu. “This approach helps us build meaningful relationships while presenting work that reflects the richness of each artistic ecosystem.”
Nigeria Focus 2026 continues this model across Lagos and Johannesburg, foregrounding the depth and diversity of artistic practices across Africa.
Strengthening connections
Through exhibitions, partnerships and increased market visibility, the Nigeria Focus reinforces Latitudes’ commitment to intra-African exchange and the growth of the continent’s creative economy.
The Nigeria Pavilion at the 2026 Fair will offer collectors and institutions direct access to one of Africa’s most influential and fast-evolving art scenes.
