Nigeria Sets $50bn Target for 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair in Lagos

Nigeria is positioning itself as the engine of African economic growth as it prepares to host the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Lagos in November 2027, with the Federal Government targeting over $50 billion in trade and investment deals.

The ambitious target surpasses the $48.3 billion recorded at the previous edition held in Algiers, Algeria, in September 2025, signalling Nigeria’s intent to raise the stakes for continental commerce.

The milestone was formalised on Monday when Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole signed the IATF 2027 Hosting Agreement in Lagos, officially cementing Nigeria’s commitment to stage the flagship trade event.

“We’re expecting to host over 100,000 physical and virtual guests,” Dr Oduwole said. “We’re expecting to have over $50 billion worth of deals from IATF 2027. The IATF has made connections with the Caribbean and the diaspora, and we are positioning Nigeria to lead economically in this renaissance.”

The minister described the fair as a critical platform for realising the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to integrate African economies into a single unified market. 

She noted that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) is leading coordination for the event in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other key stakeholders.

A Proven Track Record

The 2025 edition in Algiers set a high benchmark. Running from September 4 to 10, IATF2025 attracted more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, with 958 buyers meeting 2,148 exhibitors. Algeria alone accounted for $11.4 billion,nearly a quarter,of all deals signed. 

Beyond business, the fair hosted a trade and investment forum, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme spanning fashion, music, film and the arts, and an Africa Automotive Show, alongside extensive business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking sessions.

Afreximbank President and Board Chairman George Elombi noted that across all four previous editions, the fair has averaged $40 billion in deals, a figure he views as proof of its power to reshape Africa’s economic landscape. He expressed confidence that Lagos could not only meet but exceed the $50 billion target, forging deeper economic ties across the continent.