LAGOS, Nigeria, March 10, 2026 — The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the host agreement for the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), stepping into the spotlight as the next hub for Africa’s premier trade and investment marketplace. The baton passes from Algeria, which successfully hosted the fourth edition, generating US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals.
The agreement signing ceremony took place in Lagos, the designated host city, in collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Secretariat. The event underscores Nigeria’s central role in promoting intra-African trade and economic integration.
Scheduled for November 5 – 11, 2027, IATF2027 aims to surpass previous milestones, targeting over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals, welcoming 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”, the Fair will feature a comprehensive programme including:
-
Trade exhibitions and AfCFTA-focused trade and investment forums
-
Global Africa Day, aimed at strengthening ties with Africa’s diaspora
-
B2B (Business-to-Business) & B2G (Business-to-Government), platforms
-
Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), showcasing Africa’s creative economy
-
Sub-Sovereign Governments Network, fostering regional and local government integration
-
Special country, public, and private sector days highlighting trade, investment, tourism, and culture
-
Africa Automotive Show
-
AU Youth Start-up Pavilion for African youth entrepreneurs
-
Africa Research & Innovation Hub (ARIH), for academia and researchers
Since its inception in 2018, IATF has cumulatively generated over US$167 billion in trade and investment deals, drawing more than 180,000 visitors from 132 countries. By combining policy direction, financial backing, and trade facilitation, the Fair represents a uniquely African institutional alignment that enhances both structure and impact.
Strategic Significance Highlighted by Nigerian Leadership
Delivering the opening remarks, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and Former President of Nigeria, emphasized the historical and strategic significance of hosting the Fair.
“The signing of this host agreement marks a momentous milestone for Nigeria and the continent. Lagos historically hosted the Lagos Plan of Action in 1980, which championed Africa’s industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency. I am confident that IATF2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scope and impact as we advance our shared goal for a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA.”
H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted Nigeria’s growing role in continental commerce. She noted that IATF2027 presents an opportunity to design the future of African trade integration and economic transformation, emphasizing that success under the AfCFTA is both expansive and existential for the continent.
Continental and Institutional Endorsements
Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of Afreximbank, praised Nigeria’s commitment to the AfCFTA vision, underscoring the country’s scale, industrial capacity, and entrepreneurial dynamism as ideal for hosting IATF2027.
“Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit gives us confidence that IATF2027 in Lagos will be a remarkable event that strengthens trade and investment across the continent. Our collective duty is to use this platform to build value chains, create jobs, and generate prosperity for our people.”
Nigeria’s diverse resource base—including oil, gas, solid minerals, and key agricultural commodities—combined with a dynamic SME sector, positions the country as a central driver of regional integration and continental economic resilience.
H.E. Francisca Tatchoup Belobe, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, underscored the Fair’s potential to accelerate intra-African trade and strengthen Africa’s position in global commerce.
“As we prepare for the fifth edition in Nigeria, we must ensure that it propels intra-African trade and helps Africa reposition itself in the global trade landscape. Let us make IATF 2027 a defining moment that ignites new momentum for Africa’s investment, industrialisation, and trade.”
Cynthia E. Gnassingbé-Essonam, Director of Private Sector Engagement and Communications at AfCFTA Secretariat, representing H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, praised Nigeria’s hosting as a pivotal step toward operationalising the AfCFTA and deepening regional value chains.
“Nigeria’s host of IATF2027 is both timely and significant. We are confident it will deliver an impactful trade fair that reflects the ambition of the AfCFTA and the aspirations of African businesses.”
Looking Ahead
With IATF2027, Nigeria positions itself not only as a continental trade hub but also as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation. The Fair promises to extend beyond trade deals, fostering collaboration, innovation, and industrial growth that will strengthen the continent’s economic sovereignty.
The event is expected to be a landmark in Africa’s economic calendar, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a strategic driver of the AfCFTA and a central player in shaping the continent’s unified marketplace.
