The Made in the North Festival and Trade Fair is set to return for its second edition, promising to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than its debut.
Conceived to celebrate Northern Nigeria’s creativity, commerce, and cultural diversity, the festival has grown into a national platform blending tradition with innovation.
This year’s edition, organizers say, will feature mega concerts, traditional Durbar displays, fashion shows, film screenings, poetry slams, and exhibitions across sectors such as food, art, crafts, and technology.
Convener of the festival explained that the main objective is to position the North as a hub for fashion, film, art, trade, tech, and tourism.
Beyond culture and entertainment, the festival is expected to have a strong impact on both the local community and the Nigerian economy. By creating a platform for trade, talent development, and investment, the festival opens up the Northern market to the rest of the country and the world.
“This is more than a festival—it is a movement, a vehicle of change that can transform Northern Nigeria and contribute significantly to the national economy”, MC Ashraf said.
Organizers revealed that lessons from the first edition—stronger logistics, deeper partnerships, and bigger community involvement—are shaping this year’s structure. More than 1,000 creatives, brands, and groups are expected to participate, alongside headline artists and emerging talents.
The festival enjoys endorsements from the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, as well as partnerships with cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Art. Opportunities remain open for sponsors, investors, and partners.
Corporate sponsors, NGOs, and international collaborators are also on board, with opportunities still open for new partners through sponsorships, vendor exhibitions, brand activations, and CSR projects.
Looking ahead, organizers envision the festival becoming a global cultural and creative economy brand by 2030, touring major cities, exporting Northern talent, and attracting international investors.