Say it Loud Africa has announced the postponement of its maiden edition of The Artisan Summit and Expo (TASE 2026), a national initiative aimed at empowering artisans through business development, financial inclusion, and skills enhancement.
The organisation said the event, originally scheduled for an earlier date, will now take place from September 22 to September 24 due to unforeseen circumstances.
It assured prospective participants and stakeholders that all existing registrations and tickets remain valid for the new dates.
The organisers expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the postponement and thanked participants for their understanding, patience, and ongoing support.
Despite the change, Say it Loud Africa reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a transformative platform focused on addressing challenges that hinder artisans’ growth and economic progress.
Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Mr. Femi Oyelade, Advocate for Artisans and Creative Director of Say it Loud Africa, explained that the summit was conceived to bridge long-standing gaps within Nigeria’s informal sector.
He noted that artisans are a vital part of the nation’s economy but face challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate business structures, and low visibility.
“Artisans contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy and employment, yet many operate without formal financing, business support, or structured growth opportunities. TASE aims to change that by providing practical solutions to help artisans build sustainable, profitable enterprises,” he said.
Oyelade added that the summit would bring together artisans, apprentices, entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, corporate organisations, and development partners to explore pathways to economic inclusion.
He emphasized that the event would focus on capacity building, mentorship, funding access, market opportunities, and business formalisation.
“Our goal is to help artisans transition from informal operators to registered, bankable, and globally competitive businesses. When artisans are properly structured, they gain access to financing, larger markets, and opportunities to transform their livelihoods,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the summit would adopt an innovative “edutainment” approach, combining learning, exhibitions, networking, and entertainment to create an engaging experience for participants.
Attendees will have opportunities to showcase products and services, connect with potential investors and customers, and gain practical insights from industry experts.
“The aim is not just to organise another conference, but to build a movement that elevates artisans, creates wealth, generates employment, and contributes to national development. We want a platform where artisans can learn, connect, showcase their skills, and discover opportunities to improve their economic prospects,” he explained.
Oyelade disclosed ongoing discussions with key government agencies and development organisations to strengthen the summit’s impact and reach nationwide.
He added that formal endorsements and strategic partnerships involving the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and other relevant MDAs would be announced soon.
He called on public and private sector stakeholders, development partners, and financial institutions to support the initiative and unlock Nigeria’s artisan potential.
The three-day summit will feature panel discussions, exhibitions, masterclasses, mentorship sessions, product showcases, and networking activities designed to provide practical value.
The event is expected to attract artisans from sectors such as construction, fashion, beauty, automotive services, furniture making, creative enterprises, and technology-driven trades.
For more information and registration details, interested participants can visit theartisanhub.ng.
