…As Fair Generates Over $167Bn In Trade, Investment Deals So Far
The Federal Republic of Nigeria on Tuesday signed the host agreement, in partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027) scheduled to hold from November 5 – 11, 2027 in Lagos.
The agreement signing ceremony was held in Lagos reinforces Nigeria’s central role in advancing Intra-African trade and economic integration across the continent.
The IATF2027 with the theme “Global Africa, Smart Trade- From Market Access to Market Power” is targeting over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals, 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors, and participation from more than 100 countries.
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A news report from African Press Organisation (APO) Group disclosed that the Fair would be featuring diverse programme notably the trade exhibitions; AfCFTA-focused trade and investment forum; the Global Africa Day to strengthen ties with Africa’s diaspora; a B2B (Business-to-Business) & B2G (Business-to-Government) platform; and Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) to showcase Africa’s creative economy.
Other programmes of the event include the Sub Sovereign Governments Network for regional and local governments integration; special days for countries, public and private sector to showcase their trade and investment potential, tourism and cultural highlights; Africa Automotive Show; AU Youth Start-up pavilion for African youth start-ups; and the Africa Research & Innovation Hub (ARIH) for academia and researchers.
Delivering his opening remarks, Nigeria’s former President and Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, underscored the strategic importance of the Fair in shaping Africa’s economic sovereignty.
He said: “The signing of this host agreement marks a momentous milestone for Nigeria and for the continent. Bringing IATF2027 to Lagos is historically significant, as this city hosted the Lagos Plan of Action adopted in 1980, which championed Africa’s industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency.
“We have to work hard to keep moving towards the Africa we want. I am confident that IATF2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scope and impact as we advance our shared goal for a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA,” he added.
Commenting on Nigeria’s growing role in intra-African commerce, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, highlighted Nigeria’s rising contribution to continental trade flows.
The minister clarified: “Today, as the international trading system faces profound challenges, we must remain resolute in our commitment to mutually beneficial, rules-based trade. As we prepare to host Africa’s largest marketplace in Lagos in 2027, we have an opportunity not only to reflect on our reality but to design the future of African trade integration and economic transformation.
“The work ahead of us under the AfCFTA is not only expansive but also existential for our survival and prosperity. IATF 2027 will therefore be a defining moment in accelerating and transforming intra-African trade and investment. Together, we must align our markets, our industries and our talent to deliver the prosperous Africa we envision”, she added.
In his remarks, President/Chairman of Afreximbank Board of Directors, Dr. George Elombi, recognised Nigeria’s longstanding partnership and leadership in advancing intra-African trade, and commended the Federal Government’s commitment to the AfCFTA vision, noting that Nigeria’s scale, entrepreneurial depth, and industrial capacity make it a natural host for the 2027 edition.
The banker said: “Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit gives us confidence that IATF2027 in Lagos will be a remarkable event that strengthens trade and investment across the continent. The trade fair is about building a strong pan-African single market and expanding intra-African trade beyond the levels we see today.
“Our collective duty is to use this platform to build value chains, create jobs and generate prosperity for our people. When Africans decide to work together, as they will at IATF 2027, the opportunities for transformation are limitless”, Elombi stressed.
Describing Nigeria as a major contributor to African Union (AU) growth and regional economic transformation, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Francisca Tatchoup Belobe, elaborately spoke on the importance of aligning industrial policy, mineral development, and trade facilitation to unlock Africa’s full potential.
She recalled: “When we launched the IATF in 2018, it was a bold experiment in connectivity. It was not only a commercial event, but rather a strategic tool to increase intra-African trade, which remains stubbornly low. As we prepare for the fifth edition of the IATF, we must ensure that it propels intra-African trade and helps Africa reposition itself in the global trade landscape.
“We should therefore aim very high in 2027, especially as the IATF takes place in Nigeria, the most populous African country and one of the continent’s largest economies. Let us make IATF 2027 a defining moment that ignites new momentum for Africa’s investment, industrialisation and trade”, Belobe advised.
Reflecting on the broader continental impact of the IATF over the past few years, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications at AfCFTA Secretariat, Cynthia Gnassingbé-Essonam, who represented the Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat, Wamkele Mene, emphasised that Nigeria’s host of IATF2027 reinforced collective efforts to operationalise the AfCFTA and deepen regional value chains.
She expatiated: “Today’s ceremony marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The Intra-African Trade Fair has established itself as Africa’s premier marketplace for trade and investment, bringing together businesses, investors and policymakers from across the continent and the diaspora.
“Nigeria’s host of IATF 2027 is both timely and significant, and we are confident it will deliver an impactful trade fair that reflects the ambition of the AfCFTA and the aspirations of African businesses,” the AfCTA Director added.
Experts believe that Nigeria remains central to the success of AfCFTA, not only because of its market size but also due to its resource base and industrial potential, noting that as a leading producer of oil and gas, solid minerals, including limestone, iron ore, gold, and lithium, and key agricultural commodities, the country combines industrial capacity with a vibrant SME sector and a dynamic role in intra-African trade.
They noted that this unique mix strongly positioned the country to drive value chains that power regional integration and strengthen the continent’s economic resilience.
It would be recalled that Algeria hosted the fourth edition that recorded US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals.
In just four editions since 2018, the IATF has cumulatively generated over US$167 billion in trade and investment deals and welcomed more than 180,000 visitors from 132 countries. This strategic partnership creates a uniquely African framework that blends policy direction, financial backing, and trade facilitation. IATF benefits from continent-wide institutional alignment, setting it apart in both structure and purpose.
