…Four Nigerian creative brands gain access to the U.S. market and receive ₦7 million in funding during the inaugural Open Door Lagos Edition.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1Zeeoma has wrapped up the first edition of The Open Door Lagos, choosing four exceptional Nigerian creative brands to explore commercial opportunities via its curated marketplace in the U.S. and granting a total of ₦7 million in business funding.
Through The Open Door, Zeeoma highlights outstanding African creative brands and connects them with valuable commercial prospects in the United States.
The program received 108 applications from Nigeria, encompassing fashion, accessories, beauty, art, and home brands. After a thorough selection process focused on craftsmanship, storytelling, cultural significance, and market readiness, 20 brands were chosen to pitch to a panel of industry experts during the Lagos Pitch Day.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders around a shared vision to expand global opportunities for African creative enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Isioma Ezepue, Co-Founder of Zeeoma, said: “Every day, talented African entrepreneurs create products that genuinely enhance people’s lives, yet many never get the chance to reach the customers who need them. That is why Zeeoma exists—to provide that access. We want African creative brands to confidently declare that their products have been seen, worn, used, and appreciated by people around the world. What we observed today reinforces my belief that African brands understand their heritage, and I am continually inspired by the creativity, craftsmanship, and originality displayed by every entrepreneur who stepped onto this stage.
The inaugural Lagos edition attracted applications from creative entrepreneurs across various sectors, highlighting the rising ambition of African brands to compete internationally when given the right platform and market access.
At the end of Pitch Day, four brands were recognised as category winners and will join Zeeoma’s expanding network of African businesses reaching customers in the United States.
The winners are: Mak in Male Fashion (₦2 million), NorthArabia Couture in Female Fashion (₦2 million), Estrogine Enterprises in Accessories (₦2 million), and Amari Hair & Scalp Care in Beauty & Wellness (₦1 million).
Along with funding, the chosen brands will gain access to Zeeoma’s curated U.S. marketplace, offering a structured route to introduce their products to consumers in the United States.
The programme included a keynote speech by Tola Akerele, Director-General of the National Theatre and Founder of iDesign. It also featured special guests such as Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Founder and Creative Director of Ejiro Amos Tafiri (EAT), and Kola Kudus.
The Pitch Day was judged by a panel consisting of Sola Oyebade, CEO of Mahogany; Ezinne Chinkata, Founder and CEO of Zinkata; Ajo Balogun, Co-Founder of Jobred; and Osa Seven, a Visual Artist.
Following the successful launch of its first Lagos edition, The Open Door signifies Zeeoma’s ongoing dedication to developing sustainable commercial opportunities for African creative entrepreneurs. It aims to link outstanding brands with consumers worldwide, thereby boosting Africa’s footprint in the global creative economy.
The Open Door by Zeeoma was supported by NIMR, Fashions Finest Africa, Vital Care Express, Zep Health, Evon Lab, Ekualor Group, and Impact Hub.
