Intra-African trade fair 2025 closes with record $48.3 billion deals in Algiers
The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), hosted in Algiers, Algeria, closed on September 10, 2025 with a record $48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed during the weeklong continental exposition that began on September 4. The fair drew more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, both physical and virtual, including 958 buyers.
The opening ceremony was led by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and attended by 14 heads of state and government, six government representatives, and 41 ministers and deputy ministers. Organised by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the event reaffirmed its role as a premier platform for showcasing African business and trade opportunities.
Diverse showcases and forums drive pan-African partnerships
The IATF2025 Report Card confirmed that 2,148 exhibitors participated, supported by a packed programme that included the trade and investment forum, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) exhibition, the Africa Automotive Show, and nine special country and organisation days. The AU Youth Start-Up Programme and the Africa Research and Innovation Hub also highlighted the continent’s next-generation talent and ideas.
Key outcomes and future hosting rights announced
At the closing ceremony, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo praised IATF2025 for surpassing expectations and solidifying its place as a landmark event for African trade. Major announcements included the institutionalisation of IATF as a treaty-based entity headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, Lagos confirmed as the 2027 host city, and Cross River State, Nigeria awarded the hosting rights for the 2026 AfSNET Investment Conference.
Algeria accounted for $11.4 billion of the deals signed, representing 23.6% of the total, with an additional $11.6 billion in export commitments scheduled. The fair also generated significant visibility for Algeria, boosting its industrial profile while benefiting local tourism, hospitality, and logistics sectors.
Awards were presented in multiple categories including Best Stand Design (Entity) – Mota Engil, Best Stand Pavilion – Zambia, Best Stand – Nigeria, Best Stand Feature – Zimbabwe, and Most Innovative Stand – Arise IIP. The CANEX Award went to Algeria’s Ministry of Arts and Culture, while the African Automotive Show Award went to Fiat Stellantis.
