Marketplace Africa Features Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede on Elevating African Art

Marketplace Africa Features Access Holdings Chairman Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede on Elevating African Art

Marketplace, a flagship business programme on CNN International, has spotlighted the growing global influence of African art in a new episode featuring the Chairman of Access Bank Holdings, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

In the episode, anchor Zain Asher travels to Lagos for an exclusive tour of Aig-Imoukhuede’s private art collection, some of which will be showcased at an upcoming exhibition at Tate Modern in London.

During the interview, Aig-Imoukhuede addressed what he described as the persistent underappreciated of African art and the urgent need for infrastructure to support its growth.

“You need infrastructure to support its promotion. Davido can't play a concert to 50,000 Nigerians without an arena to do it. Artists cannot be bought unless you have museums and galleries that show them,” he said, noting that while both private and public sector efforts are improving, progress remains slow.

He explained that his art collection was deliberately curated to highlight the emergence of contemporary African artists on the global stage.

Speaking on his broader vision, the Access Holdings chairman outlined plans to position Lagos as a global cultural hub where finance, technology, sports, entertainment and the arts converge.

“The idea is that we will make Lagos an ecosystem where finance, technology, and culture merge… and be very intentional about creating an annual calendar of events for Lagos,” he said.

On the evolving global narrative surrounding African art, Aig-Imoukhuede observed that artists often adapt to international trends while maintaining their identity. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that African expression remains central.

“If what is happening and what is trending is less African, then it means that we have to do more to make what is happening more African,” he stated.

With Tate Modern preparing to host a Nigerian modernism exhibition, he reflected on Nigeria’s outsized role in shaping Africa’s artistic identity, citing the country’s demographic strength.

“One out of every four black Africans is Nigerian. Our population reality is such that there are so many of us that we have to show up… we bear the burden for Africa to be a special kind of African,” he said.

The conversation also touched on the economics of art, particularly the impact of currency volatility across Africa. Aig-Imoukhuede noted that art is priced in global currencies, meaning local currency depreciation can significantly affect affordability and market dynamics.

“Your value is assessed not in local currency but by a universal currency… if currencies are devaluing, the artist wants to hold their global value. It means that art becomes more and more expensive,” he explained, adding that currency challenges across Africa over the past decade have affected the art market.

The full interview is featured on the latest episode of Marketplace Africa, airing on CNN International.