The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) ran from 4 September to 10 September and welcomed 112,000 visitors – both physical and virtual – from 132 countries as well as 958 buyers and 2,148 exhibitors who showcased a vast array of goods, services and investment opportunities with a record $48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed.

Organised by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the secretariat of the
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the week-long event solidified IATF’s position as Africa’s premier trade and investment platform.

A testament to continental integration

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria and chairman of the IATF Advisory Council, hailed the fair’s achievements: “Through vibrant exchanges and partnerships, IATF2025 has exceeded our expectations and now stands as the biggest ever.” He continued: “it has sown the seed of future prosperity for our shared vision of an economically integrated Africa. We need to continue building on these established connections in exploring new opportunities, working together to realise the full benefits of AfCFTA.”

Obasanjo emphasised the importance of building on the connections established at IATF2025 to fully realise the benefits of the AfCFTA. His remarks echoed the sentiment of many participants who viewed the fair not just as a marketplace, but as a movement toward a more unified and prosperous continent.

Algeria’s strategic role and economic impact

Algeria emerged as a standout performer, accounting for $11.4 billion (23.6%) of the total deals signed. The country’s industrial value chains, diversified economy and strategic location made it a natural host for IATF2025. In addition to the signed contracts, Algerian companies are expected to secure a further $11.6 billion in export commitments, highlighting the fair’s catalytic role in expanding Algeria’s trade footprint.

The record number of participants and unprecedented media attention significantly boosted Algeria’s visibility on the continental stage. The tourism and hospitality sectors experienced a surge in demand, with hotels, transport operators and logistics providers reporting record patronage. Algerian businesses leveraged the fair to forge long-term partnerships, attract investment and showcase their products to a pan-African audience.

Promoting dialogue and innovation

The IATF2025 programme featured a four-day trade and investment forum, bringing together African and international speakers to discuss key issues in intra-African trade. The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme added a cultural dimension, with dedicated exhibitions in fashion, music, film, literature, gastronomy and the arts. The Africa Automotive Show spotlighted the continent’s growing auto industry, while nine illuminating Special Days – hosted by countries and organisations – highlighted and showcased investment opportunities across sectors.

Country Days by Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire offered tailored showcases, while thematic days such as Arise IIP Industrial Day and Dangote Day underscored the role of industrialisation and private sector leadership in Africa’s transformation. The IATF2025 Global Africa Day celebrated commercial and cultural ties between Africa and its diaspora, reinforcing the fair’s pan-African ethos.

Partnerships, collaborations and innovation

Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) engagements facilitated by IATF helped unlock new partnerships and collaborations. The Aftican Union (AU) Youth StartUp Programme spotlighted innovative ideas and prototypes, while the Africa Research and Innovation Hub @IATF connected academia and national researchers with industry stakeholders. These initiatives underscored IATF’s commitment to inclusive growth and youth empowerment.

The IATF Virtual Platform, active throughout the year, enabled continuous engagement between exhibitors and visitors, extending the fair’s reach and impact beyond the physical venue.

Looking to the future

One of the landmark outcomes of IATF2025 was the institutionalisation of the trade fair as a treaty-based entity – Intra-African Trade Fair Corporation (IATFCO) – with its headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe. This move formalises IATF’s role as a permanent fixture in Africa’s trade architecture.

Awards and recognition

The fair concluded with an awards segment celebrating excellence in exhibition and innovation. Winners included:

Best Stand Design (Entity): Mota Engil
Best Stand Design (Pavilion): Zambia
Best Stand for Doing Business: Nigeria
Best Stand Feature: Zimbabwe
Most Sustainable/Going Green: Ogun State, Nigeria
Most Innovative Stand: Arise IIP
CANEX Award: the ministry of Arts and Culture, Algeria
African Automotive Show Award: Fiat Stellantis

Awards were also presented in the AU Youth Startup, Healthcare Technology Innovation Hackathon and SME Pitch categories, recognising emerging talent and entrepreneurial ingenuity.

With $48.3 billion in deals, 112,000 attendees, 2,148 exhibitors and 958 buyers, IATF2025 has set a new benchmark for trade fairs in Africa. Its success is a reflection of growing confidence in the continent’s economic potential and the power of collaboration across borders. As preparations begin for IATF2027 in Lagos, the legacy of Algiers will serve as a powerful reminder of what Africa can achieve when it trades, innovates and grows together.

Mohamed Ali Aboudi

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