Nigeria has formally secured the right to host the fifth edition of the Intra African Trade Fair in 2027, positioning the country as the venue for one of the continent’s largest trade and investment gatherings under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
The hosting agreement was signed in Lagos between the Federal Government and key continental partners including the African Export Import Bank, the African Union Commission, and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The event marks a strategic milestone for Nigeria as it seeks to deepen trade ties within Africa and strengthen its leadership role in regional commerce.
The trade fair, scheduled to hold from November 5 to November 11, 2027, is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors, and participants from over 100 countries. Organisers also aim to generate more than 50 billion dollars in trade and investment deals during the week long marketplace.
The hosting arrangement transfers the responsibility from Algeria, which organised the previous edition of the fair in 2025. That event recorded close to 50 billion dollars in business deals, highlighting the growing importance of the platform for promoting intra African trade and investment.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the advisory council for the 2027 edition, described the agreement as a turning point for Nigeria and the continent.
“The signing of this hosting agreement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and for the continent. Bringing IATF2027 to Lagos is historically significant,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the upcoming edition would surpass earlier events in scale and impact as African countries push for stronger economic integration under AfCFTA.
“I am confident that IATF2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scope and impact as we advance our shared goal of a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA.”
President of Afreximbank, George Elombi, also praised Nigeria’s economic capacity and entrepreneurial strength, noting that these factors influenced the decision to host the fair in Lagos.
“When we proclaimed Nigeria as the next host of the Intra African Trade Fair, we knew that a mighty elephant had been sighted,” he said. “Nigeria’s entrepreneurial energy and industrial capacity give us confidence that IATF 2027 will strengthen trade and investment across Africa.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, said the trade fair would provide an opportunity for the continent to rethink its economic direction amid global trade uncertainty.
“As we prepare to host Africa’s largest marketplace in Lagos in 2027, we have an opportunity not only to reflect on our reality but also to design the future of African trade integration,” she said.
“IATF 2027 will be a defining moment in accelerating intra African trade and investment.”
The fair will include large trade exhibitions, investment forums, and networking platforms connecting businesses, governments, and investors. Special programmes such as business to business sessions, youth startup showcases, and research innovation platforms will also be featured.
Since its launch in 2018, the Intra African Trade Fair has generated more than 167 billion dollars in trade and investment deals while attracting over 180,000 participants from 132 countries. With Lagos set to host the next edition, Nigeria is expected to use the platform to showcase its industrial capacity, expand regional value chains, and strengthen its position within Africa’s emerging single market under AfCFTA.
