By Ahmed Ahmed
Nigeria has taken a significant step toward strengthening its role in Africa’s trade integration agenda after signing a hosting agreement for the 2027 Intra African Trade Fair. The event is expected to bring thousands of investors, businesses, and policymakers to Lagos while positioning the country at the centre of discussions around the continent’s expanding internal market.
The hosting agreement was signed last Monday by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The ceremony took place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formally confirming Lagos as the host city for the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027.
A Major Platform For Africa’s Single Market
Scheduled for November 5 to 11, 2027, the fair is projected to generate about US$50 billion in trade and investment deals. Organisers expect around 100,000 visitors, more than 2,500 exhibitors, and participants from over 100 countries.
The event will run under the theme ‘Global Africa Repositioned From Market Access to Market.’ It will feature trade exhibitions, business networking platforms, investment forums, and industry showcases designed to deepen commercial partnerships across the continent.
Programmes lined up for the fair include a trade and investment forum focused on the AfCFTA, business to business and business to government engagement platforms, an Africa Automotive Show, and a youth startup pavilion.
Other segments will highlight research and innovation, tourism opportunities, and regional investment prospects through a Sub Sovereign Governments Network that brings together local and regional authorities across Africa.
Creative Economy Also Takes Centre Stage
Before the trade fair arrives in 2027, Lagos will host another major continental platform. The city has also been selected to stage Creative Africa Nexus 2026, an initiative promoted by Afreximbank to showcase Africa’s creative industries.
CANEX focuses on sectors such as film, music, fashion, visual arts, and digital content. Organisers view the platform as a way to unlock the commercial potential of Africa’s cultural and creative economy while linking creative entrepreneurs with investors and international markets.
Afreximbank Signals Confidence In Nigeria
President of Afreximbank, Mr. George Elombi, expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s ability to host the trade fair successfully.
Using a metaphor drawn from African folklore, he said that when the bank announced Nigeria as host, it was clear that a significant opportunity had emerged.
Elombi credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative and helping secure the country’s role as host.
He noted that the successful annual meetings organised by Afreximbank in Abuja last year demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity to host major continental gatherings.
Federal Government Backs The Initiative
President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole.
Dr. Oduwole said Nigeria considers the opportunity to host the trade fair an important step in advancing intra African commerce and accelerating implementation of the continental free trade framework.
According to her, the country will work closely with continental institutions, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to ensure the event delivers meaningful outcomes for businesses across Africa.
She described the fair as an opportunity to deepen trust among African business communities, strengthen commercial partnerships, and expand job creation across the continent.
Lagos Prepares For Continental Gathering
The advisory board for the 2027 trade fair is chaired by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo, who commended the federal and Lagos state governments for supporting the initiative.
He also acknowledged the role played by private sector stakeholders and continental institutions in securing the event for Nigeria.
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured that the state government would work closely with organisers to deliver what he described as the most successful edition of the trade fair.
Sanwo Olu noted that Lagos already serves as Nigeria’s commercial hub and one of Africa’s largest creative industry centres. He added that the state intends to showcase its economic and cultural strengths during both CANEX 2026 and IATF 2027.
