The Host Agreement Signing Ceremony for the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) occurred in Algiers on 15 April 2024. Hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the event sets the stage for the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair scheduled for 4 – 10 September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2025 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria praised the Intra-African Trade Fair as the primary trade and investment gathering on the African continent. He remarked that the IATF2025 Hosting Agreement signifies more than a mere contractual arrangement; it signifies a shared commitment among partners to uphold excellence and innovation in continuing the Intra-African Trade Fair’s legacy as the AfCFTA Marketplace and the premier trade and investment event in Africa.
The IATF has now become a key event in Africa’s economic, social, trade, and policy calendar. Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union Commission and AfCFTA Secretariat, is dedicated to advancing the noble cause of reshaping Africa’s socioeconomic landscape through proactive initiatives aimed at fostering intra-African trade and continental integration.
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade Bank, Afreximbank, noted that the Intra-African Trade Fair creates new opportunities for African trade, serving as a crucial platform for realizing the vision of AfCFTA. The fair enhances understanding of Africa’s trading landscape, boosts the industrial capabilities of African economies, and acts as a catalyst for trade and business activities across the continent.
The previous three fairs alone resulted in trade and investment agreements totalling over US$120 billion. African businesses have tapped into new markets within the continent, industries have diversified their sources of raw materials and investments, government-to-government agreements have been established in key sectors like agriculture, and African contractors have secured major projects.
Appreciation was also expressed to the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria for their steadfast support of the Intra-African Trade Fair. Representing H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, a statement highlighted the significance of the fair in addressing the scarcity of trade information, aiming to boost intra-African trade and investments independently.
It symbolizes hope and opportunity by breaking traditional trade barriers and uniting Africa’s diverse yet cohesive identity. H.E. Ambassador Albert Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, emphasized that while trade has propelled economic growth in other regions, Africa has not fully benefited. The AfCFTA aims to elevate intra-African trade, tackle challenges like poverty and job creation, and enhance the continent’s manufacturing and industrial capacities through a reliable legal framework for trade and investment.
In his Closing Remarks, Jean-Louis Ekra commended the power of African solidarity and collective action in promoting intra-African trade and investment, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts for positive change and innovation on the continent. The Intra-African Trade Fair gathered public and private sector entities, African diplomatic missions, financial institutions, and trade associations to raise awareness for the upcoming IATF2025. Attendees also visited the venue for IATF2025, the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports (SAFEX).
This premier trade and investment event provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their offerings, engage in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) interactions, expand their networks, and secure business partnerships. The event also features insights from experts on various trade and investment topics at the IATF Trade and Investment Forum. Participants can explore opportunities in exporting, standards, and marketing through training workshops.
The diverse attendees at IATF include businesses, buyers, sellers, investors, government officials, trade finance experts, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and media representatives, fostering a dynamic environment for collaboration and deal-making. The successful third edition of IATF2023 held in Cairo, Egypt, attracted over 28,000 delegates, and 1,939 exhibitors from 130 countries, and facilitated trade and investment agreements totalling US$43.8 billion.
