Lagos, Nigeria – The Federal Government has set a target of securing over $50 billion in trade and investment deals at the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair. Nigeria will host the fifth edition of the continental trade fair in Lagos in November 2027.
Okay News reports that Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole disclosed this during the signing of the hosting agreement on Monday. The projected deal value represents an increase from the $48.3 billion in agreements signed during the fourth edition held in Algiers, Algeria, in September 2025.
Oduwole stated that Nigeria expects over 100,000 physical and virtual attendees at the event. She described the trade fair as a major platform for advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area objectives, which aim to create a unified African market.
The minister added that her ministry is leading coordination efforts, working with agencies such as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other stakeholders to ensure successful delivery.
The fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair was held in Algiers from September 4 to September 10, 2025. It recorded $48.3 billion in trade and investment deals and attracted more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries.
A total of 958 buyers participated in the fair. The event hosted 2,148 exhibitors from across Africa and beyond. Algeria, the host nation, accounted for $11.4 billion, representing 23.6% of deals signed.
The fair featured multiple activities including trade exhibitions, a four-day trade and investment forum, the Creative Africa Nexus programme covering fashion, music, film and arts, and the Africa Automotive Show.
Business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking sessions were organized to promote partnerships and unlock new investment opportunities across the continent.
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, George Elombi, said the trade fair has generated an average of $40 billion in deals across its previous four editions.
He cited Nigerian innovator Ndubusi Arinze Eze, whose drone company gained international attention after being discovered by a Singaporean investor at IATF 2021. Today, the company designs drones used in agriculture across different parts of the world.
Elombi expressed confidence that the Lagos edition in 2027 could exceed the $50 billion target and create stronger economic linkages across Africa.
The push for stronger intra-African trade aligns with broader calls to reduce dependence on imports from outside the continent. Experts say expanding intra-African trade through platforms like the IATF will help African countries strengthen local industries, boost value addition, create jobs, and increase government revenues.
