THE Federal Republic of Nigeria has formally signed the host agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s push to bolster continental economic integration.
The signing ceremony, held on 9 March 2026 in Lagos, confirmed that the high-profile event will take place in the city from 5 to 11 November 2027.
Nigeria takes over the mantle from Algeria, which hosted the fourth edition, an event that successfully recorded US$49,94 billion in trade and investment deals.
Organisers have set ambitious targets for the 2027 edition, aiming to facilitate over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals. The fair expects to attract 100 000 visitors, 2 500 exhibitors, and participants from more than 100 countries under the theme, “Global Africa, Smart Trade — From Market Access to Market Power”.
Addressing the assembly, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria, emphasised the historical resonance of the choice of venue. “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 remarked.
The event is designed as a collaborative effort between the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Dr George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, praised Nigeria’s commitment, noting that the country’s industrial capacity and entrepreneurial depth made it a natural choice for the next edition.
While the IATF has generated over US$167 billion in cumulative deals since its inception in 2018, officials acknowledged the ongoing challenges regarding intra-African trade volumes.
H.E. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, the African union Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, highlighted that despite the progress of the AfCFTA, intra-African trade remains stubbornly low, with its share of total African trade declining from 16.3 per cent in 2020 to 14,5 percent in 2024. “We should therefore aim very high in 2027,” she stated, urging that the fair serve as a mechanism to reposition Africa in the global trade landscape.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, reaffirmed the nation’s readiness to lead the continent’s economic transformation. Highlighting Nigeria’s recent completion of its five-year AfCFTA implementation review, the Minister noted that the government has a comprehensive understanding of the reforms needed to realise the promise of the free trade area.
“The work ahead of us under the AfCFTA is not only expansive but also existential for our survival and prosperity,” Dr. Oduwole said. “IATF 2027 will therefore be a defining moment in accelerating and transforming intra-African trade and investment”.-herald
