Algiers wrapped up the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) on September 10 with trade and investment deals worth $48.3bn, organisers confirmed. The week-long event, held from September 4 and hosted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, drew more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, including 958 buyers.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune opened the fair, joined by 14 heads of state and 41 ministers. Former Nigerian president and IATF2025 advisory chair Olusegun Obasanjo hailed the outcome as ‘the biggest ever’, urging Africa to ‘keep building on these connections to realise AfCFTA’s full benefits’.
Diverse showcases and forums
The fair welcomed 2,148 exhibitors across a wide programme. Country pavilions and business stands ran alongside a four-day trade and investment forum. The Creative Africa Nexus celebrated fashion, music, film and gastronomy, while the Africa Automotive Show highlighted vehicle innovation. Nine Special Days spotlighted national and thematic opportunities, including Global Africa Day and Country Days for Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Cote d’Ivoire.
Business-to-business and government matchmaking sessions spurred strategic deals, while the AU Youth Start-Up Programme and Africa Research and Innovation Hub promoted fresh ideas and academic input. A year-round virtual platform extended networking beyond the physical fair.
Major announcements and honours
Key decisions included the creation of IATFCO, a treaty-based entity with headquarters in Harare, to institutionalise the trade fair. Lagos, Nigeria, was confirmed as host of IATF2027, with the hosting flag presented to Trade Minister Dr Jumoke Oduwole. Cross River State’s Calabar will stage the 2026 African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Investment Conference.
Algeria secured $11.4bn—nearly a quarter of total deals—with a further $11.6bn in export commitments pending. Local firms leveraged the event to showcase products and forge new partnerships, boosting both AfCFTA implementation and Algeria’s global trade profile. Tourism and hospitality businesses in Algiers enjoyed a surge in visitors, benefiting hotels, transport operators and logistics providers.
Awards recognise excellence
The closing ceremony honoured standout participants. Mota Engil won Best Stand Design (Entity), while Zambia took Best Pavilion. Nigeria received Best Stand, Zimbabwe Best Stand Feature, and Ogun State the sustainability award. Arise IIP was named Most Innovative Stand. Algeria’s Ministry of Arts and Culture captured the CANEX Award, and Fiat Stellantis topped the African Automotive Show. Additional prizes went to winners in youth start-ups, healthcare technology and SME pitches.
Organisers said thousands of African businesses, from major firms to SMEs, used IATF2025 to enter new markets and cement partnerships across the continent.
Credit: Africabriefing
