The Organised Private Sector in Nigeria has said the hosting of the Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 in Lagos will boost trade, strengthen local enterprises, and attract significant investment into the country.
In separate statements, private sector groups, including the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, lauded the Federal Government’s successful bid to host the upcoming IATF 2027.
NACCIMA, led by Jani Ibrahim, congratulated the Federal Government, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and Lagos State on securing the hosting rights for the continental fair from the African Export-Import Bank.
NACCIMA described the decision as a “national honour and a continental responsibility,” stressing that it reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The association said the fair would create an unparalleled platform for Nigerian businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, to showcase their products and services to African and global markets.
“The hosting of IATF 2027 in Lagos will strengthen the visibility and competitiveness of Nigerian enterprises in the African market, expand access to trade finance and investment capital, and enhance Lagos’ position as a gateway city for trade and innovation,” NACCIMA stated.
NACCIMA pledged to mobilise its chambers of commerce and partners to ensure full participation and maximise the accruing benefits for Nigerian businesses.
Similarly, the LCCI applauded the selection of Lagos as host city, noting that the fair would expand Nigeria’s export potential, attract foreign and local investment, and create opportunities for small businesses.
Director-General of LCCI, Dr Chinyere Almona, said, “Hosting IATF 2027 presents a historic opportunity for Nigeria. Beyond commerce, it will spotlight Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse while reinforcing our leadership in the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade growth agenda.”
She disclosed that the chamber, in partnership with Afreximbank, was already supporting 20 export-focused SMEs at IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria, and pledged that the LCCI would work with stakeholders to deliver a world-class event in 2027.
“With nearly 40 years of experience in organising international trade fairs in Lagos, we look forward to contributing our expertise to the successful planning and delivery of IATF 2027,” Almona said.
Both NACCIMA and LCCI commended the Federal Government for securing the hosting rights and pledged their readiness to collaborate with Lagos State, Afreximbank, the African Union, and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria maximises the benefits of the event.
The IATF 2025, held from September 4 to 10 in Algiers, Algeria, brought together over 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 participants from more than 140 countries, with trade and investment deals projected at over $44bn.
The Afreximbank event, organised in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, carried the theme ‘Gateway to New Opportunities’ and aimed to deepen intra-African trade, investment, and economic integration under the AfCFTA.
The fair featured programmes such as the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) for arts and culture, the Africa Automotive Show, Diaspora Day, and forums on youth, women, research, and innovation.
