In 2024, African art flourished like never before, with art fairs playing a pivotal role in showcasing its vibrancy. Desmond Vincent explores some of the standout art fairs—and a few unconventional events—to keep an eye on in 2025.
The year 2024 was an exceptional time for art enthusiasts living in Africa. ART X Lagos, West Africa’s largest art fair and one of the most influential on the continent, made a triumphant return with a multi-day, critically acclaimed showcase. Meanwhile, the fourth edition of the Lagos Biennial exhibited at Tafewa Balewa Square for the first time, a meaningful homage to FESTAC, which was originally located in the square. African culture had a historic moment with the first-ever Nigerian pavilion at the Venice Biennale, curated by Andrea Emelife, receiving widespread acclaim. Similarly, the Dakar Biennale was a resounding success, with exciting news emerging about the integration of local artisans from the Soumbedioune crafts market for the first time.
Throughout the year, it seemed as though art across the continent was having its moment, with much of the activity centred around art fairs. As we step into 2025, here are some of the most anticipated art fairs across Africa that every art enthusiast should look out for.
ART X Lagos, Nigeria
This year will mark a decade since ART X Lagosbegan championing African art. Over the years, it has cultivated a reputation as West Africa’s premier art fair, a vital platform for discovering upcoming talents and for rediscovering the work of pioneering artists like Bruce Onabrakpeya. Highlights from the most recent edition of ART X Lagos included the Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers exhibition, dedicated to celebrating history markers and disruptors in Nigerian history who are too-often forgotten. This year, ART X Lagos will return on the last week of October to celebrate the fair’s tenth edition, and its certain that it will be pulling all the stops to celebrate a decade of expanding our idea of what African art can be.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Morocco
1-54 Contemporary was founded in 2013 to boost the representation of African art in international art markets. Since the fair debuted in London, it has not only tripled the size of its original exhibition—it has also expanded its showcase to other locations, such as Morocco in February 2018, where it has become one of the most anticipated art fairs on the continent.
FNB Art Joburg, South Africa
When it launched in 2008, FNB Art Joburg was the first of its kind in Africa. Today, it has the distinction of being the longest-running art fair on the continent, and has made a name as one of Africa’s leading contemporary art events, cementing Johannesburg’s status as a cultural hub over the years. FNB Art Joburg easily a must-attend event—if there was a bingo card for art enthusiasts looking to see African art, then this fair must be on it. Held every September in the heart of Johannesburg, FNB Art Joburg continues to shape and celebrate the future of art on the continent.
Investec Cape Town Art Fair, South Africa
Set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s stunning scenery, the Investec Cape Town Art Fair is a cornerstone of Africa’s art calendar. Known for its unique blend of African and international art, the fair bridges the gap between local talent and the global market. With thoughtfully curated exhibitions, thought-provoking talks, and a focus on innovation, it offers a comprehensive view of the contemporary art world. For collectors, curators, and enthusiasts, this event provides an opportunity to experience the synergy between Cape Town’s artistic heritage and cutting-edge creativity.
Nike Art Gallery, Nigeria
Nike Art Gallery is not a fair in the traditional sense, but as West Africa’s largest art gallery, it could easily be mistaken for one during peak art seasons—especially in the weeks surrounding events like ART X Lagos, which the gallery regularly participates in. Over the years, Nike Art Gallery has showcased some of the most prominent art names in Africa and global art. It is almost sacrilegious not to pay the gallery a visit when in Lagos—or Abuja, Kogi and Osun, where the gallery also has branches.
RMB Latitudes Art Fair, South Africa
This fair is relatively young compared to the others on this list, having launched in 2023 with just two editions to date. Yet, its impact is noteworthy—its second edition featured an impressive 40 galleries from 12 countries and around 250 artists, solidifying its reputation as a fast-rising upcomer in the art world. RMB Latitudes Art Fair is an artist-focused event that emphasises discovery and development. Its commitment to accessibility—both in terms of physical space and art pricing—makes it a refreshing and inclusive experience for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Affordable Art Show, Kenya
The Affordable Art Show is holding the fort down for the art community in Eastern Africa. Organized by the Nairobi National Museum, this art fair has the distinction of being the largest in the region; its sixteenth edition showcased over 750 contemporary artists from Nairobi and the broader East African region. The fair is a vibrant reflection of Kenya’s dynamic creative scene. By highlighting local talent and fostering a strong sense of community, the Affordable Art Show transcends the traditional art fair, becoming a celebration of creativity that feels refreshingly grounded and inclusive.
Accra Cultural Week, Ghana
While not a fair per se, Accra Cultural Week offers everything you’d expect from one—particularly a hub of talented artists from across the continent, ranging from emerging voices to established names. The most recent edition reportedly brought together over 200 collectors, artists, curators, art fair directors, museum directors, patrons and more in Ghana. The event also hosted several exhibitions, with Keeping Time, curated by Ekow Eshun and Karon Hepburn, standing out as a highlight. Accra Cultural Week is expected to return later this year with an equally star-studded and activity-packed programme.
+234 Art Fair, Nigeria
Rounding out the list is Nigeria’s +234 Art Fair, a must-visit event. Named after Nigeria’s international calling code, the fair represents the modern Nigerian art scene and its interconnectedness with the broader African and global art communities. Typically held in March, the fair priories the acquisition of local artworks by emerging artist, contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s art sector. Whether you’re looking to invest in work from an early or mid-career artist, or just want an art fair in Nigeria outside of the country’s traditional art season, the +234 Art Fair is one to watch.
Words by Desmond Vincent
