Nigeria to Host Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 in Lagos
Nigeria has officially signed the host agreement for the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), positioning the country to host Africa’s largest trade and investment marketplace.
The signing ceremony took place in Lagos on 9 March 2026 in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.
The trade fair is scheduled to take place from 5 to 11 November 2027 and is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors and participants from over 100 countries. Organisers are targeting over US$50 billion in trade and investment deals during the event.
The upcoming fair follows the fourth edition hosted by Algeria, which generated nearly US$49.94 billion in trade and investment agreements.
Speaking during the ceremony, former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the IATF Advisory Council, described the agreement as a significant milestone for both Nigeria and the continent.
He said hosting the event in Lagos carries historic significance, noting that the city was also the birthplace of the Lagos Plan of Action adopted in 1980 to promote Africa’s industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency.
“This event will help move Africa closer to a unified marketplace under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” he said, expressing confidence that the 2027 edition would surpass previous fairs in scope and impact.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole said the fair comes at a critical moment for Africa as the continent works to strengthen intra-African trade and economic integration.
She noted that IATF2027 would provide an opportunity for African countries to align markets, industries and talent while accelerating implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Meanwhile, George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, praised Nigeria’s leadership in advancing continental trade, noting that the country’s large market, entrepreneurial culture and industrial capacity make it an ideal host.
He said the trade fair would play a crucial role in strengthening value chains, creating jobs and expanding prosperity across Africa.
Also speaking at the event, Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals at the African Union Commission, emphasised that the trade fair has become an important platform for increasing intra-African trade, which remains relatively low compared with other regions.
Since its launch in 2018, the Intra-African Trade Fair has generated more than US$167 billion in trade and investment deals and attracted over 180,000 visitors from 132 countries, establishing itself as one of the continent’s most influential economic platforms.
The 2027 edition will feature a wide range of programmes, including trade exhibitions, business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, investment forums, youth start-up showcases and cultural exhibitions aimed at promoting Africa’s creative economy and strengthening global trade partnerships.
