Last week, the most populous country in the continent signed the host agreement at a ceremony in Lagos, the designated ‘host city’. The signing was done in partnership with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, reinforcing Nigeria’s central role in advancing Intra-African trade and economic integration across the continent. Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, underscored the strategic importance of the Fair in shaping Africa’s economic sovereignty. “Bringing IATF2027 to Lagos is historically significant, as this city hosted the Lagos Plan of Action adopted in 1980, which championed Africa’s industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency,” he said when delivering his opening remarks at the signing ceremony. “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.” Scheduled to take place from November 5 to 11, 2027, IATF2027 is targeting over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals, 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors, and participation from more than 100 countries.
The Fair will be held under the theme “Global Africa, Smart Trade- From Market Access to Market Power” featuring diverse programme notably the trade exhibitions. These are the AfCFTA-focused trade and investment forum; the Global Africa Day to strengthen ties with Africa’s diaspora; a B2B (Business-to-Business) & B2G (Business-to-Government) platform; Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) to showcase Africa’s creative economy. There will also be a Sub Sovereign Governments Network for regional and local governments integration; special days for countries, public and private sector to showcase their trade and investment potential, tourism and cultural highlights; Africa Automotive Show; AU Youth Start-up pavilion for African youth start-ups; and the Africa Research & Innovation Hub (ARIH) for academia and researchers. In just four editions since 2018, IATF has cumulatively generated over US$167 billion in trade and investment deals and welcomed more than 180,000 visitors from 132 countries.
