Algerian Radio
Nigeria has signed the hosting agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF-2027), scheduled from November 5 to 11, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced.
"Nigeria will succeed Algeria, which hosted the highly successful fourth edition that resulted in $49.94 billion in trade and investment deals," the Bank stated in a press release published on its website.
The agreement signing ceremony took place on Monday in Lagos, the designated "host city," in partnership with Afreximbank, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. These organizations are the organizers of the IATF, whose 2027 edition will be held under the theme "Global Africa Repositioned: From Market Access to Market."
"In just four editions since 2018, the IATF has cumulatively generated over $167 billion in trade and investment deals and welcomed more than 180,000 visitors from 132 countries," Afreximbank noted with satisfaction, adding that "this strategic partnership creates a unique African framework that combines policy orientation, financial support, and trade facilitation."
In his opening remarks, Mr. Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF 2027 Advisory Council and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, highlighted the strategic importance of this Fair in building Africa's economic sovereignty.
"Today's ceremony marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area," stated Cynthia E. Gnassingbé-Essonam, Director of Private Sector Partnership and Communication at the AfCFTA Secretariat, as quoted in the press release.
