The fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) has closed in Algiers, Algeria, with a record-breaking $48.3 billion worth of trade and investment deals sealed during the week-long continental showcase.
Held from September 4–10, the fair drew over 112,000 participants, both physical and virtual, from 132 countries, including 958 buyers. It featured 2,148 exhibitors and a rich programme spanning trade exhibitions, investment forums, cultural showcases, and business matchmaking.
The opening ceremony was attended by 14 African Heads of State and Government, alongside 41 ministers and other senior officials. Algerian President, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, led dignitaries in welcoming delegates to the North African nation, which emerged as host due to its strong industrial value chains, diversified economy, and strategic location.
According to the organisers, Algeria alone accounted for $11.4bn of the deals, representing nearly a quarter of the total. Additional export commitments worth $11.6bn for Algerian companies are still being finalised.
The fair’s activities ranged from the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme on fashion, music, film, and arts to the Africa Automotive Show, as well as special days hosted by Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire, and corporate partners including Dangote Group and Arise IIP.
Former Nigerian President and IATF Advisory Council Chairman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, hailed the event as “the biggest ever,” stressing that it exceeded all targets and further strengthened Africa’s economic integration under the AfCFTA.
Among the key outcomes were the institutionalisation of IATF as a treaty-based entity, IATFCO, with headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe; the selection of Lagos, Nigeria, as host city for IATF2027, with the hosting flag presented to Nigeria’s Minister of Trade, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and the award of hosting rights for the 2026 African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference to Cross River State, Nigeria.
An awards segment recognised outstanding participants, with Nigeria winning Best Stand, Zambia taking Best Pavilion Design, and Ogun State honoured for sustainability. Other winners included Zimbabwe, Mota Engil, Fiat Stellantis, Arise IIP, and Algeria’s Ministry of Arts and Culture.
Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the biennial IATF continues to grow as a premier platform for intra-African trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
