FG signs deal to host 2027 Intra-African trade fair in Lagos

On Monday, March 9, 2026, Nigeria formally signed the hosting rights agreement for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), officially designating Lagos as the host city.

The deal was signed at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Iganmu, between the Federal Government, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Key Highlights of the Deal
Economic Target: Organizers are targeting over $50 billion in trade and investment deals during the event. For context, the previous edition in Algeria (IATF 2025) recorded roughly $48.3 billion.

Event Schedule: The fair is set to take place from November 5 to 11, 2027.

Scale of Participation: Expectations include over 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors, and representatives from more than 100 countries.

Historical Significance: Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the IATF 2027 Advisory Council, noted that hosting in Lagos is symbolic. It was the site of the 1980 "Lagos Plan of Action," which first championed African economic self-sufficiency.

What to Expect at IATF 2027The fair will feature several specialized "sub-events" designed to drive specific sectors:

Program Focus Area

CANEX The Creative Africa Nexus will showcase music, film, fashion, and art.
Africa Automotive Show Highlighting regional vehicle manufacturing and assembly.AU Youth Start-Up A platform for young African entrepreneurs to pitch to investors.B2B & B2G Platforms Dedicated spaces for Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government deals.

Regional Mobilization
Afreximbank President George Elombi has urged Nigeria to mobilize participation beyond Lagos, specifically targeting major commercial hubs like Kano (North), Aba/Onitsha/Nnewi (South-East), and Alaba (Lagos) to ensure a truly national representation of Nigeria’s industrial capacity.

Looking Ahead: Before the main event in 2027, Lagos will also host a "CANEX Weekend" starting November 5, 2026, which serves as a precursor to highlight the continent's creative economy.