The Organised Private Sector (OPS) has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 in Lagos, saying it will boost trade, empower local enterprises, and attract significant investment into the country.
In separate statements, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) described the development as a national milestone and a major opportunity for Nigerian businesses.
NACCIMA, led by its President, Jani Ibrahim, congratulated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Lagos State Government for securing the hosting rights from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The association called the hosting of IATF 2027 a “national honour and continental responsibility,” noting that it reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in driving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It said the event would provide an unparalleled platform for Nigerian businesses, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to showcase their goods and services to African and global markets.
“The hosting of IATF 2027 in Lagos will strengthen the visibility and competitiveness of Nigerian enterprises in the African market, expand access to trade finance and investment capital, and enhance Lagos’ position as a gateway city for trade and innovation,” NACCIMA stated.
NACCIMA pledged to mobilise its chambers of commerce across the country to ensure full participation and maximise the benefits for Nigerian businesses.
Similarly, the LCCI applauded the choice of Lagos, noting that the fair would expand Nigeria’s export potential, create opportunities for small businesses, and attract both foreign and local investments.
The Director-General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, described the hosting rights as a historic opportunity for Nigeria.
“Hosting IATF 2027 presents a historic opportunity for Nigeria. Beyond commerce, it will spotlight Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse while reinforcing our leadership in the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade growth agenda,” she said.
She disclosed that the LCCI, in partnership with Afreximbank, is already supporting 20 export-focused SMEs at the upcoming IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria. Almona added that the chamber would leverage its nearly 40 years of experience in organising international trade fairs in Lagos to help deliver a world-class event in 2027.
Both NACCIMA and LCCI commended the Federal Government for securing the hosting rights and assured their readiness to work with Lagos State, Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure Nigeria fully benefits from the opportunity.
The most recent edition of the fair, IATF 2025, is scheduled to hold from September 4 to 10 in Algiers, Algeria. It is expected to attract over 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 participants from more than 140 countries, with trade and investment deals projected at more than $44 billion.
The event, organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, carries the theme “Gateway to New Opportunities.” It aims to deepen intra-African trade, investment, and economic integration under the AfCFTA framework.
Beyond trade, the fair also features dedicated programmes such as the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) for arts and culture, the Africa Automotive Show, Diaspora Day, and special forums on youth, women, research, and innovation.
Analysts say hosting IATF 2027 could boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports, strengthen its position as a regional economic hub, and attract long-term investments into infrastructure, manufacturing, and services. With the support of the private sector and government, Lagos is expected to deliver one of the most impactful editions of the continental trade fair.
