The fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) concluded in Algiers on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone with a record-breaking $48.2 billion in trade and investment deals signed during the week-long event. Organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the fair has been hailed as the most successful since its inception.
Afreximbank President Benedict Oramah described the outcome as “unprecedented,” surpassing earlier projections of $44 billion and reflecting the growing appetite for intra-African collaboration. Algeria, the host nation, emerged as a key player, accounting for $11.6 billion—nearly a quarter of the total deals secured.
A Showcase of Pan-African Potential
Held from September 4 to 10, IATF 2025 attracted over 35,000 participants and 2,000 exhibitors from more than 75 countries, transforming Algiers into a vibrant hub of commerce, innovation, and diplomacy. The fair featured a wide array of sectors including agriculture, energy, finance, health, and transport, underscoring the diversity and depth of Africa’s economic landscape.
For Algeria, hosting the fair for the first time was both a strategic and symbolic move. The country showcased its strengths in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing, positioning itself as a rising force in regional trade. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who officially opened the event, emphasized the urgency of deeper economic integration across the continent.
“Africa accounts for only 3 percent of global trade, despite its immense resources and population,” Tebboune said. “We must work together to unlock our full potential and ensure that African nations trade more with each other.”
Deals That Span the Continent
The agreements signed during IATF 2025 reflect a broad spectrum of partnerships and investments. From renewable energy projects in North Africa to agricultural development initiatives in East Africa, the fair served as a launchpad for transformative ventures aimed at boosting productivity, sustainability, and regional connectivity.
Finance and health sectors also saw significant commitments, with banks and institutions pledging support for infrastructure development and healthcare access. Transport deals included logistics upgrades and cross-border infrastructure aimed at facilitating smoother trade flows under the AfCFTA framework.
A Vision for the Future
The success of IATF 2025 is widely seen as a testament to the growing momentum behind the AfCFTA, which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across Africa. By reducing trade barriers and harmonizing regulations, the agreement aims to stimulate industrialization, job creation, and inclusive growth.
Looking ahead, the next edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair will be hosted by Nigeria in 2027. Expectations are already high, with stakeholders hopeful that the event will build on the achievements of Algiers and further accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.
As the curtains fall on IATF 2025, the message is clear: Africa is ready to trade with itself—and the world is watching.
