The Nigerian government has projected at least $50 billion in investment deals at next year\u2019s Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2027), aiming to boost trade, investment, and growth opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the continent.\n<\/p>\n
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this at the official signing ceremony for the IATF 2027 Hosting Agreement in Lagos. The agreement was signed jointly by the Nigerian government, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.\n<\/p>\n
According to Oduwole, the IATF presents a strategic opportunity to expand SME participation in intra-African trade while attracting continental and global investments. Previous editions of the fair have generated over $167 billion in trade and investment deals, with the fourth edition in Algeria recording $48.3 billion.\n<\/p>\n
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighted Nigeria\u2019s leadership role in AfCFTA implementation, including launching the AfCFTA Air Cargo Corridor and piloting digital trade solutions across Africa. He also emphasised the country\u2019s creative economy, which contributed $25 billion to GDP in 2025, with plans to reach $100 billion and create two million jobs by 2030.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe IATF 2027 will be a defining moment to advance intra-African trade, foster partnerships, and drive sustainable economic growth across Africa. Nigeria is truly proud to host this event,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n
George Elombi, President of Afreximbank, said the fifth edition is expected to surpass $50 billion in deals while creating new opportunities for businesses, particularly SMEs. He urged Nigeria to mobilise participation from all states, highlighting commercial hubs such as Alaba, Kano, Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi as key drivers for SME engagement.\n<\/p>\n
Elombi added that the IATF, launched in 2018, aims to place Africa\u2019s economic transformation in the hands of Africans by promoting trade, connecting businesses, investors, and governments, and converting trade discussions into actionable transactions that create jobs and increase revenues.\n<\/p>\n
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF 2027 Advisory Council, said hosting the fair in Lagos is symbolic, reflecting Africa\u2019s long-term ambition for regional economic integration and industrialisation. \u201cThis event will provide SMEs and large businesses alike with a major platform to deepen partnerships and unlock intra-African trade opportunities,\u201d Obasanjo stated.\n<\/p>\n
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders of the state government\u2019s readiness to host the fair, describing it as a platform to position Africa as a hub for commerce and enterprise.\n<\/p>\n
With SMEs at the centre of Africa\u2019s economic growth, the Nigerian government aims to leverage IATF 2027 to strengthen continental trade networks, promote entrepreneurship, and create sustainable business opportunities across the continent.<\/p>\n
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