By Jennete Ugo Anya
The Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank has restated its commitment to promoting intra-African trade and supporting Nigerian businesses to seize emerging continental opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
This reaffirmation came as NEXIM actively participated in the Nigeria leg of the IATF2025 Roadshow, held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on June 30, 2025.
Organised as part of the build-up to the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), the roadshow brought together government officials, trade and investment experts, businesses, development institutions, and continental leaders to promote collaboration and enhance participation in Africa’s largest trade platform.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Abubakar Bello, Managing Director and CEO of NEXIM Bank, emphasized the bank’s dedication to financing and facilitating regional trade.
“This prestigious event is a pivotal platform for fostering trade and investment across the African continent,” Bello said. “At NEXIM, we are committed to driving economic growth and development through innovative financial solutions. Our participation in the IATF2025 Roadshows underscores our dedication to promoting intra-African trade and supporting businesses in seizing new opportunities.”
Throughout the day, NEXIM engaged in strategic dialogues with policymakers, entrepreneurs, and trade stakeholders on shaping the future of African commerce.
Nigeria Pushes for Greater AfCFTA Implementation
In her keynote address, the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Hon. Jumoke Oduwole, acknowledged the growing momentum of intra-African trade, attributing it to the early success of AfCFTA.
“Intra-African exports grew by over 13% last year, supported by new trade corridors and effective AfCFTA implementation strategies,” she said. “Nigerian businesses are already taking the lead, exporting ceramics, garments, pharmaceuticals, and agro-products across the continent.”
The Honourable Minister also highlighted the increasing relevance of Africa’s creative economy and the importance of value chain development in positioning the continent for sustainable industrialisation.
“The creative economy is no longer just about beauty – it is bankable,” she said. “Initiatives like CANEX are proving that African culture can compete and thrive as a major export.”
IATF2025: A Platform for Innovation, Investment, and Growth
Set to take place in Algiers, Algeria from September 4–10, 2025, under the theme ‘Gateway to New Opportunities’, IATF2025 is expected to be the largest edition yet. Previous editions have generated impressive results, including over $43.7 billion in trade and investment deals at IATF2023 in Cairo.
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, underscored Nigeria’s leading role in past editions.
“This is not just a conference – it is Africa’s trade engine. And Nigeria has not just participated – Nigeria has led. At IATF2023 alone, Nigerian enterprises signed over $11 billion worth of deals, more than any other country,” Awani noted.
A Marketplace of Ideas, Culture, and Commerce
The Nigeria IATF2025 Roadshow was one of five planned ahead of the main event, with similar gatherings in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Algiers.
Madam Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), described IATF as a “marketplace of ideas, opportunities, and partnerships” with the potential to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
“We now have the tools – AfCFTA and IATF – to bridge Africa’s trade gap and build structured value chains across industries,” Ayeni said.
IATF2025 will feature a diverse lineup of programmes including:
- Trade and Investment Forum – a four-day conference featuring global and continental leaders;
- Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) – a cultural and economic showcase of African and diaspora talent;
- Africa Automotive Show – focused on auto manufacturing and components;
- Diaspora Day and Global Africa Day – celebrating cultural and commercial links between Africa and its diaspora;
- Youth Start-Up Programme and Innovation Hub – spotlighting emerging African innovators and researchers;
- Virtual IATF Platform – offering year-round connections between exhibitors and potential buyers.
Special Country and Sector Days will offer public and private sector players dedicated space to promote investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.
With the Nigeria roadshow concluded, all eyes are now on Algiers as Africa prepares for what promises to be its most transformative trade fair yet. For institutions like NEXIM, IATF2025 is not just another event – it is a clarion call to action for a borderless African marketplace.
