By Ayomide Otitoju
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the host agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), taking over from Algeria, which hosted the fourth edition that recorded US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals.
The signing ceremony was held in Lagos, in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA), reinforcing Nigeria’s strategic role in advancing intra-African trade and economic integration.
IATF2027 is scheduled for November 5–11, 2027, and aims to surpass US$50 billion in trade deals, attracting 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors, and participants from over 100 countries. The fair will run under the theme: “Global Africa, Smart Trade – From Market Access to Market Power”, featuring trade exhibitions, AfCFTA-focused investment forums, diaspora engagement through Global Africa Day, B2B and B2G platforms, Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), Africa Automotive Show, youth start-up pavilions, and the Africa Research & Innovation Hub (ARIH).
Since its inception in 2018, IATF has generated over US$167 billion in trade and investment deals, hosting more than 180,000 visitors from 132 countries, establishing itself as a key pan-African platform for commerce, policy alignment, and trade facilitation.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and former President of Nigeria, described the hosting of IATF2027 as “historically significant”, linking it to Lagos’ role in the 1980 Lagos Plan of Action that promoted Africa’s industrialisation. He expressed confidence that the 2027 edition would exceed previous fairs in scale and impact.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted Nigeria’s expanding contribution to intra-African trade and the importance of rules-based commerce. She described IATF2027 as a pivotal opportunity to accelerate economic transformation under the AfCFTA framework.
Dr. George Elombi, President of Afreximbank, praised Nigeria’s entrepreneurial and industrial capacity, noting that hosting the event would strengthen trade, create jobs, and expand value chains across the continent.
The country’s market size, resource base, and industrial potential make it a central driver of regional integration. Nigeria produces oil and gas, solid minerals including limestone, iron ore, gold, and lithium, and key agricultural commodities, coupled with a vibrant SME sector that underpins intra-African commerce.
H.E. Francisca Tatchoup Belobe, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, said IATF2027 provides a strategic tool to boost intra-African trade and strengthen Africa’s global trade position.
Representing AfCFTA Secretariat, Cynthia E. Gnassingbé-Essonam noted that Nigeria hosting IATF2027 reinforces continental efforts to operationalise the AfCFTA, deepen value chains, and promote Africa’s business and investment opportunities.
IATF2027 is expected to serve as Africa’s premier marketplace for trade and investment, supporting the continent’s industrialisation, economic integration, and long-term prosperity.
