ALGIERS, Algeria, September 11, 2025/APO Group: The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) that took place in Algiers, Algeria, culminated on September 10, 2025, and was considered a resounding success.
The major highlight is the US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed during the weeklong continental exposition event that was attended by over 112,000 visitors (physical and virtual), from 132 countries.
The IATF, that was held biennially, offers a platform for businesses in Africa and globally to showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while at the same time facilitating the exchange of information and tapping opportunities.
The weeklong Fair held from 4-5 September 2025 was organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
According to the IATF2025 Report Card, the event welcomed 2,148 exhibitors and featured major activities, including a trade exhibition by countries and businesses, a four-day trade and investment forum graced by leading African and international speakers, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme having its own dedicated exhibition covering fashion, music, film, arts and craft, sports, literature and gastronomy, as well as the Africa Automotive Show.
Several features, including the B2B and B2G matchmaking programmes, were held to facilitate strategic partnerships and government collaborations to unlock new opportunities, while the AU Youth Start-Up Programme showcased innovative ideas and prototypes, and the Africa Research and Innovation Hub @ IATF targeted academia and national researchers.
Former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Advisory Council of IATF2025, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, during the closing ceremony, commented that the trade fair has far exceeded all expectations and the target set by the organisers, thus expressing a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at the outcome.
Chief Obasanjo attributed the successful outcome to the vibrant exchanges and dynamic partnerships that pervaded the trade fair and said that, more than being just a trade fair, IATF2025 serves as a testament to a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
He added: “Through vibrant exchanges and partnerships, IATF2025 has exceeded our expectations and now stands as the biggest ever. It has sown the seed of future prosperity for our shared vision of an economically integrated Africa. We need to continue building on these established connections in exploring new opportunities, and work together to realise the full benefits of AfCFTA.”
The event witnessed several key outcomes, among which were: Institutionalisation of the Intra-African Trade Fair as a stand-alone treaty-based entity called IATFCO with headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe; Announcement of Lagos, Nigeria, as venue of the next IATF in 2027, and presentation of the Hosting Flag to the Nigerian Minister of Trade, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
