The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the host agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), taking over the baton from Algeria, which hosted the highly successful fourth edition that recorded US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals.
The agreement signing ceremony was held in Lagos, the designated host city, in partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. The collaboration reinforces Nigeria’s central role in advancing intra-African trade and economic integration across the continent.
IATF2027 Targets Over $50 Billion in Deals
Scheduled to take place from 5–11 November 2027, IATF2027 is expected to deliver:
- Over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals
- 100,000 visitors
- 2,500 exhibitors
- Participation from more than 100 countries
The event will be held under the theme:
“Global Africa, Smart Trade – From Market Access to Market Power.”
The week-long fair will feature a diverse range of programmes including:
- Large-scale trade exhibitions
- AfCFTA-focused trade and investment forum
- Global Africa Day to strengthen ties with the African diaspora
- B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2G (Business-to-Government) platforms
- Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) showcasing Africa’s creative economy
- Sub-Sovereign Governments Network for regional and local government integration
- Country and private sector showcase days
- Africa Automotive Show
- AU Youth Start-Up Pavilion
- Africa Research & Innovation Hub (ARIH) for academia and researchers
IATF’s Growing Impact Across Africa
Since its launch in 2018, the Intra-African Trade Fair has recorded significant growth. Across its four editions, the platform has:
- Generated over US$167 billion in trade and investment deals
- Attracted more than 180,000 visitors
- Hosted participants from 132 countries
The initiative creates a uniquely African framework that blends policy direction, financial backing, and trade facilitation, supported by strong continent-wide institutional alignment.
Obasanjo: Lagos Hosting Is Historically Significant
Delivering the opening remarks, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria, emphasised the event’s strategic importance for Africa’s economic future.
“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.”
He added that IATF2027 is expected to surpass previous editions in both scope and impact, advancing the shared vision of a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA.
Nigeria’s Trade Role Continues to Expand
Commenting on Nigeria’s growing footprint in continental trade, H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, stressed the importance of strengthening intra-African commerce.
“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.”
She noted that IATF 2027 will be a defining moment in accelerating and transforming intra-African trade and investment.
Afreximbank: Nigeria’s Entrepreneurial Strength Key to Success
Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, commended Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the AfCFTA vision.
According to him:
“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.”
He added that the fair will play a critical role in building value chains, creating jobs, and generating prosperity for Africans.
Nigeria Positioned to Drive Regional Value Chains
Nigeria remains central to the success of the AfCFTA, not only due to its market size but also because of its natural resources and industrial potential.
The country is a leading producer of:
- Oil and gas
- Solid minerals, including limestone, iron ore, gold, and lithium
- Major agricultural commodities
Combined with a vibrant SME sector, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to drive regional value chains and strengthen Africa’s economic resilience.
African Union Highlights Strategic Importance
H.E. Francisca Tatchoup Belobe, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, described Nigeria as a major contributor to Africa’s economic growth and transformation.
“When we launched the IATF in 2018, it was a bold experiment in connectivity. It was not only a commercial event but also a strategic tool to increase intra-African trade, which remains stubbornly low.”
She urged stakeholders to ensure that IATF 2027 becomes a defining moment for Africa’s investment, industrialisation, and trade growth.
AfCFTA Secretariat Welcomes Nigeria as Host
Representing AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene, Cynthia E. Gnassingbé-Essonam, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications at the AfCFTA Secretariat, described Nigeria’s hosting of the 2027 fair as both timely and significant.
“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.”
She expressed confidence that Nigeria will deliver an impactful trade fair reflecting the ambition of the AfCFTA and the aspirations of African businesses.
