Nigeria has officially been chosen as the host for the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which is set to take place in 2027. The announcement, made during the opening ceremony of IATF2025 in Algiers, Algeria, marks a historic moment for Nigeria as it prepares to welcome the largest trade and investment event on the continent. This event is expected to be a game-changer not only for Nigeria but also for the entire West African region.
The IATF, which is held every two years, is co-convened by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Its objective is to promote intra-African trade and foster regional economic integration, aligning with the AfCFTA’s mission to create a single market for Africa’s 1.4 billion people, with a combined GDP of over $3.5 trillion. The fair has proven to be a major economic engine, and the upcoming IATF2027 in Nigeria is anticipated to be a transformative event for trade in the region.
The Momentous Announcement
The official announcement of Nigeria as the host country for IATF2027 was made during the opening ceremony of IATF2025, which was held from September 4 to 10, 2025, in Algiers. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including heads of state, government officials, and business leaders from across Africa and the Caribbean. The announcement was made by H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria.
Obasanjo, in his remarks, emphasized the significance of the IATF as a crucial tool in advancing Africa’s economic integration, highlighting that each edition of the fair has contributed to the growth of intra-African trade. “IATF is not just a trade fair; it is a journey across our continent and global Africa, carried forward by nations that share in the vision of intra-African trade and regional integration,” Obasanjo said. “Today, we continue this proud tradition by announcing Nigeria as the country that will host IATF2027.”
Nigeria’s Role in the IATF: A Key Milestone
The IATF has been rotating across key African nations since its inception in 2018. Egypt hosted the inaugural edition in Cairo, followed by South Africa in 2021, and then Cairo once again in 2023. Algiers served as the host for the fourth edition. With Nigeria stepping up to host the fair in 2027, it becomes the fourth country and the first in West Africa to take on this prestigious responsibility.
The significance of this announcement extends beyond the mere logistics of hosting such a large event. It is symbolic of Nigeria’s growing role in Africa’s economic transformation and its commitment to becoming a leading player in regional trade. The IATF2027 will not only put Nigeria’s economic ambitions in the spotlight but also provide an unparalleled opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services to a global audience.
Boosting Nigeria’s Trade and Investment Landscape
Nigeria’s hosting of IATF2027 is expected to drive significant economic benefits, not only for the country but for the broader West African region. As the continent’s largest economy, Nigeria offers a dynamic market with immense opportunities for trade, investment, and partnerships across various sectors.
The fair will provide Nigerian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a unique opportunity to interact with investors, buyers, and partners from across Africa and the world. The event will serve as a springboard for local businesses to expand their reach beyond the domestic market, tapping into the vast potential of the AfCFTA’s single market.
According to Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, the decision to host IATF2027 holds immense significance for Nigeria and West Africa. “It means a great deal for us because it’s actually the first time we are hosting IATF in West Africa. We look forward to it as an opportunity for Nigeria and Nigerians to showcase what they have,” Ayeni stated. She further added, “It’s an opportunity for us to create visibility for our products, and I believe it’s going to open up the country economically.”
IATF: A Powerful Platform for Intra-African Trade
The IATF has become a key platform for enhancing intra-African trade, and its influence continues to grow with each edition. In 2023, the fair attracted over 112,000 participants, including more than 2,100 exhibitors from across the continent. The event facilitated trade deals valued at over $48 billion, underscoring the fair’s role in driving economic growth in Africa.
Since its inception, the IATF has generated more than $118 billion in trade and investment deals. Over 70,000 visitors and 4,500 exhibitors have participated, contributing to the growth of Africa’s intra-regional trade and strengthening the AfCFTA’s goals. The fair’s success is a testament to the increasing importance of economic integration and collaboration across African nations, with each host country contributing to the fair’s evolving legacy.
The Role of Afreximbank and the AfCFTA in Driving the IATF’s Success
Afreximbank has been a key driver of the IATF’s success, playing a pivotal role in planning, organizing, and securing the participation of African states and businesses. Prof. Benedict Oramah, the outgoing President and Chairman of Afreximbank, reflected on the fair’s journey, noting, “The journey we began in 2017, when we started planning for the inaugural Trade Fair, which was held in November 2018, was a strategic move drawn from Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade Strategy.”
Oramah also acknowledged the critical role of partners like the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, which have helped expand the reach and impact of the fair. With the AfCFTA’s single market of 1.4 billion people now in place, the IATF has become an essential tool for promoting trade across Africa, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and creative industries.
What to Expect from IATF2027 in Nigeria
As Nigeria prepares to host IATF2027, expectations are high for another transformative chapter in Africa’s trade and investment story. The fair will showcase the progress made by Nigeria and its regional partners in expanding economic opportunities and driving trade across the continent. In addition to traditional industries, IATF2027 is expected to shine a spotlight on Africa’s burgeoning creative industries, including fashion, film, and technology.
The event will serve as a crucial platform for businesses in Africa to connect with global investors, creating new partnerships and opportunities that will help drive the continent’s economic development. Moreover, the fair’s focus on regional integration will continue to foster collaboration between African nations, laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth.
With Nigeria as the host, IATF2027 is poised to set a new benchmark for trade fairs in Africa, reinforcing the importance of intra-African trade and regional economic cooperation. The fair will not only be a major event for Nigeria but for all of Africa, as the continent continues its journey toward greater economic integration and prosperity.
