IATF: Africa’s Largest Trade Fair Gives Insight on 2025 Edition

The 2025 edition of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair promises groundbreaking opportunities to expand markets and showcase Africa’s economic potential.
The countdown to the fourth Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF2025) has officially begun. Algiers, the capital of Algeria, will host the continent’s most important trade and investment event from September 4 to 10, 2025.
According to a press release from the IATF organizers, the fair is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors from over 140 countries and will feature 2,000 exhibitors showcasing a wide range of goods and services.
Organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat (AfCFTA), IATF2025 focuses on the theme “Gateway to New Opportunities”. The event aims to realize the enormous potential of AfCFTA, representing a population of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.5 trillion.

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who serves as Chairman of the IATF Advisory Committee, expressed confidence in the fair’s role in promoting intra-African trade. “The IATF has distinguished itself as an instrument for promoting intra-African trade and investment by enabling businesses to interact and access trade and market information opportunities,” he said.
IATF2025 is expected to generate trade and investment deals worth more than $44 billion during its one-week program. The event will feature a variety of activities, including country and company exhibitions, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) program, and the African Auto Show. A special day will showcase the cultural attractions of participating countries as well as trade and investment opportunities.

Obasanjo highlighted the overall success of the last IATF convention, saying, “Over $100 billion in trade and investment deals have been closed cumulatively with over 70,000 visitors and more than 4,500 exhibitors participating.” He encouraged African companies to use the exhibition to expand their market reach and strengthen intra-African connections.
Algeria is the host country and a key player in Africa’s trade ecosystem. As one of the continent’s most developed economies, the country will provide African and global businesses with a strategic platform to explore new opportunities.
IATF2025 will also include a dedicated IATF Diaspora Day to highlight the commercial and cultural connections between Africa and its global diaspora.
Chief Obasanjo reiterated that IATF2025 is not just a trade fair but a key element in Africa’s broader economic strategy. “It serves as a collaborative platform for driving shared aspirations for prosperity and stability, as envisioned by AfCFTA,” he said.
As Africa continues to drive economic integration and growth through the AfCFTA, IATF2025 stands poised to further strengthen the continent’s resilience and unlock new opportunities for economies and businesses.