Africa’s biggest marketplace IATF opens in Algeria
Pauline Dikuelo | Wednesday September 3, 2025 09:47
IATF2025 is projected to generate trade and investment deals worth over $44 billion, further cementing its reputation as Africa’s premier business and trade marketplace.
The Government of Algeria has rolled out extensive logistical and hospitality measures to facilitate seamless travel and ensure a successful gathering for the large number of participants.
Organised biennially by Afreximbank, in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the fair serves as a key platform for boosting trade and investment across the continent.
It also aims to unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which brings together a single market of more than 1.4 billion people and a GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion.
Since its inception, the IATF has proven to be a driver of intra-African commerce, closing over $100 billion worth of deals across its first three editions, with more than 70,000 visitors and 4,500 exhibitors participating cumulatively.
The week-long IATF2025 programme features a diverse range of activities designed to connect businesses, governments and cultural industries.
Amongst these are trade exhibitions by countries and businesses across multiple sectors, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) showcasing Africa’s vibrant creative economy through fashion, music, film, arts and crafts, sports, literature, gastronomy, and culinary arts.
Organisers stated there will also be a four-day Trade and Investment Forum featuring renowned African and international speakers discussing opportunities and challenges in the continent’s economic landscape.
The Africa Automotive Show will bring together auto manufacturers, assemblers, original equipment manufacturers, and component suppliers, whilst Special Days will be dedicated to individual countries, public and private institutions, highlighting trade opportunities, tourism, and cultural attractions.
On the other hand, Global Africa Day will celebrate commercial and cultural ties with the African diaspora, featuring a Diaspora Summit, cultural showcases, and gastronomy exhibitions.
In addition, IATF2025 will host a business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking platform, an AU Youth Start-Up programme spotlighting innovations from young entrepreneurs, the Africa Research and Innovation Hub showcasing cutting-edge university and research projects, and the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) promoting exchanges at local levels.
Complementing the physical exhibition, the IATF Virtual platform is already active, offering year-round opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to connect, network, and trade.
With its broad scope, high-level participation, and focus on trade, innovation, and cultural exchange, IATF2025 stands as a catalyst for deepening intra-African integration and accelerating the continent’s economic transformation.
The event will run from September 4 to 10.