Record-Breaking Deals: Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 Wraps Up with $48.3 Billion in Pledges, Eyes Lagos for Next Chapter

Written By: Flipbz.org

The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) has drawn to a close, leaving behind a trail of groundbreaking achievements and massive economic momentum. Hosted in Algiers, the event from September 4 to 10 attracted over 112,000 participants—both in-person and online—from 132 nations, solidifying its status as Africa's premier trade platform.

Kicking off with a high-profile ceremony led by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the fair welcomed 14 heads of state, 41 ministers, and a host of global dignitaries. The week-long showcase buzzed with activity, featuring a packed agenda that included a four-day trade and investment forum, the innovative Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) spotlighting creative industries like fashion and film, and the Africa Automotive Show. Special themed days added flair, with highlights such as Global Africa Day, Dangote Day, and national spotlights from countries including Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Côte d’Ivoire.Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) matchmaking sessions stole the show, alongside youth-focused initiatives like the AU Youth Start-Up Programme and the Africa Research and Innovation Hub.

 These elements not only fostered direct deals but also advanced the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand across borders.The crown jewel of IATF2025? A staggering $48.3 billion in trade and investment commitments sealed during the event. Algeria emerged as a standout, securing $11.4 billion—accounting for nearly a quarter of the total—with another $11.6 billion in contracts lined up for local firms.

Beyond the numbers, the fair boosted ancillary sectors like tourism, hospitality, and logistics, injecting vitality into the host economy.Awards ceremonies capped the excitement, recognizing excellence in various fields. Portugal's Mota Engil took home Best Stand Design (Entity), while Nigeria clinched Best Stand. Ogun State, Nigeria, was honored for Most Sustainable/Going Green efforts, and Algeria's Ministry of Arts and Culture earned the CANEX Award.

Looking ahead, the fair's legacy is set to endure. It has been formalized as a treaty-backed organization, the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFCO), with its base in Harare, Zimbabwe. Excitement is already building for the next edition in 2027, with Lagos announced as the host city. The symbolic handover of the hosting flag went to Nigeria's Minister of Trade, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, signaling strong continental support. In a related win, Calabar in Nigeria's Cross River State will host the 2026 African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference.Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the IATF2025 Advisory Council, summed up the triumph at the closing:

 "Through vibrant exchanges and partnerships, IATF2025 has exceeded our expectations and now stands as the biggest ever. It has sown the seed of future prosperity for our shared vision of an economically integrated Africa."

As the dust settles, the fair's ripple effects promise to reshape intra-African commerce, paving the way for deeper integration and shared growth.