The 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) has concluded with unprecedented success, shattering records by facilitating an impressive $48.3 billion in trade and investment deals. This remarkable figure not only exceeded the event’s $44 billion target but also surpassed previous editions, underscoring a powerful leap forward for Africa’s economic integration. Algeria, which hosted the fair, led the charge with $11.4 billion in agreements. With over 2,100 exhibitors from 132 countries and more than 112,000 delegates, the event highlights growing enthusiasm for intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Key stakeholders emphasized the need to translate these agreements into tangible growth, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As Nigeria prepares to host the next fair in 2027, the focus now shifts to implementation—ensuring these promising deals drive real economic transformation across the continent.
IOL
