RMB Commits To Creative Ecosystem For Social Development

Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Africa’s creative ecosystem as a pathway to social and economic development, with targeted investments aimed at expanding opportunities for artists and deepening cultural engagement across the continent.
The commitment was affirmed at the unveiling of the RMB Latitudes Nigeria Focus exhibition in Lagos, where the bank emphasised the role of the creative sector in driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation and shaping societal narratives.
Hosted at Miliki Private Club, the exhibition brought together artists, curators and collectors, serving as a platform to connect Nigeria’s dynamic art community with regional and global markets while reinforcing the importance of culture in development discourse.
Chief executive officer of RMB Nigeria, Bayo Ajayi, said the initiative underscores the institution’s long-term investment in Africa’s cultural industries.
“Art plays a vital role in shaping identity, stimulating dialogue, and imagining new futures,” Ajayi stated, noting that the platform is designed to ensure Nigerian perspectives are not only visible but actively engaged on the global stage.
He further emphasised that the bank’s approach goes beyond sponsorship, focusing instead on strengthening creative ecosystems capable of generating sustainable livelihoods while contributing to broader societal development.
Co-founder and Director of Latitudes Online and the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, Roberta Coci, described the Lagos outing as a significant milestone, highlighting the depth of collaboration that shaped the project.
According to her, the initiative has fostered enduring relationships that will extend beyond the exhibition, positioning Nigerian artists within wider continental and international networks.
The Lagos showcase serves as a precursor to the upcoming RMB Latitudes Art Fair 2026, scheduled to hold from May 22 to 24 in Johannesburg, where selected Nigerian artists are expected to gain increased visibility among global collectors and institutions.
Also speaking, Head of Marketing and Communications at RMB Nigeria, Shola Ogunyemi, underscored the strategic role of culture in economic advancement.
“We do not see art in isolation. Creativity and culture underpin how societies innovate, build institutions, and drive long-term growth,” Ogunyemi said, revealing that the exhibition attracted nearly 600 applications, from which a diverse and globally relevant cohort was selected.
The exhibition was co-curated by Ugonna Ibe-Ejiogu of Yenwa Gallery and Boitumelo Makousu, reflecting a deliberate fusion of West and Southern African perspectives.
Ibe-Ejiogu noted that such initiatives help dismantle structural barriers within the international art market by expanding access and building trust, while Makousu described the exhibition as a platform for African artists to assert ownership of their narratives.