The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) ended in Algiers on September 10 with a record $48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed, underscoring the fair’s growing importance as a driver of continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The weeklong fair, which ran from September 4 to 10, attracted more than 112,000 participants (physical and virtual) from 132 countries, including 958 buyers and 2,148 exhibitors, making it the largest trade gathering on the continent to date.
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the event was opened by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and attended by 14 Heads of State and government, 41 ministers, and several dignitaries.
Obasanjo hails success
At the closing ceremony, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF2025 Advisory Council, described the fair as a landmark success.
> “Through vibrant exchanges and partnerships, IATF2025 has exceeded our expectations and now stands as the biggest ever. It has sown the seed of future prosperity for our shared vision of an economically integrated Africa,” Obasanjo said.
Algeria secures $11.4bn share
Algeria, selected as host due to its industrial base and strategic location, signed $11.4 billion in deals, representing nearly 24 per cent of the total. Additional commitments worth $11.6 billion for Algerian companies are still in the pipeline. The event also boosted the country’s tourism and service sectors, with hotels, transport and logistics firms recording increased patronage.
Highlights of the fair
The programme featured:
A four-day Trade and Investment Forum with leading African and global speakers.
The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) celebrating Africa’s creative industries.
The Africa Automotive Show.
Special Days hosted by Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire, alongside Global Africa Day, Arise IIP Industrial Day and Dangote Day.
Other key activities included B2B and B2G matchmaking, the AU Youth Start-Up Programme, and the Africa Research and Innovation Hub.
Lagos to host 2027 edition
The closing ceremony also saw major announcements, including the institutionalisation of IATF as a treaty-based entity (IATFCO) with headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe.
In a symbolic handover, the hosting flag was presented to Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, as Lagos was confirmed host city for IATF2027.
Separately, Calabar, Cross River State, secured hosting rights for the 2026 African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference. Governor Bassey Otu signed the agreement on behalf of the state.
Awards and recognition
Exhibitors and countries were recognised in several categories:
Best Stand Design (Entity): Mota Engil
Best Stand Design (Pavilion): Zambia
Best Stand: Nigeria
Best Stand Feature: Zimbabwe
Most Sustainable/Going Green: Ogun State, Nigeria
Most Innovative Stand: Arise IIP
CANEX Award: Algeria’s Ministry of Arts and Culture
African Automotive Show Award: Fiat Stellantis
Additional prizes went to winners in the AU Youth Startup, Healthcare Technology Innovation Hackathon, and SME Pitch categories.
AfCFTA momentum grows
Thousands of African businesses, including small and medium enterprises, leveraged the IATF2025 platform to expand into new markets and secure partnerships. Organisers say the record-breaking deals demonstrate the growing momentum of intra-African trade under AfCFTA, with expectations already high for the Lagos edition in 2027.
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