Nigeria has been chosen as the host nation of the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) In Lagos. The announcement was made by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the IATF Advisory Council, at the current 2025 fair in Algiers.
The IATF flag designating Nigeria as the host of the next continental event was bestowed upon Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment as representative on behalf of Nigeria. The IATF, an initiative created by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), works with the African Union Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat.
The IATF since launched in 2018 has grown to become the largest place in Africa to buy and sell goods and services and to achieve an estimate of $120 billion in trade and investment deals from prior three fairs. The IATF has also opened up new business/tading opportunities to exhibit products, sourcing investment, develop partnerships, for cross border opportunities to grow trade in Africa.
Obasanjo highlighted the growing importance of the IATF as a unifying vehicle for regional integration. “This is the platform that is driven by the AfCFTA Agenda to promote and deepen economic integration continental, economic cooperation and regional integration.” He further explained that the fair progresses through host nations that create a continuing legacy around improving sustainable development that links people across Africa.
The 2027 Fair represents thousands of businesses, investors and politicians from across Africa and around the world. Analysts expect it to contribute to economic growth in Nigeria, and create an opportunity for increase in Foreign Direct Investment, cementing Lagos as a growing trade hub for Africa.
Nigeria is currently preparing for the IATF and positioning it as a flagship opportunity to engage its African countries and people, showcase Nigeria’s competitive advantage position in trade and investment as the economic transformation of Africa progresses under the AfCFTA, and contribute to the vision for Africa as a unified continent, with strong and prosperous nations.