The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), held in Algiers, Algeria from September 4–10, 2025, concluded with remarkable success, recording US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals.
Organized by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the event drew over 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, with 2,148 exhibitors and 958 buyers participating. The fair featured a wide range of activities, including country and business exhibitions, the Africa Automotive Show, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, special country days, and B2B/B2G matchmaking sessions.
High-level participation underscored the event’s importance, with 14 Heads of State, 41 ministers, and several dignitaries in attendance. Algeria emerged as a major beneficiary, accounting for 23.6% of all deals closed ($11.4 billion), alongside additional export commitments worth $11.6 billion. Beyond trade, the fair boosted Algeria’s global visibility, stimulated its tourism and hospitality sectors, and strengthened its role in African industrial value chains.
Key announcements included the institutionalization of IATF as a treaty-based entity (IATFCO) headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe, the naming of Lagos, Nigeria as host city for IATF2027, and the award of the 2026 AfSNET Investment Conference to Calabar, Nigeria.
Key Takeaways/Potential Benefits to African trade:
The successful outcome of IATF2025 demonstrates Africa’s growing capacity to foster intra-African trade and investment partnerships under the AfCFTA framework. The record $48.3 billion in deals reflects strong private sector engagement and underscores the continent’s potential to reduce reliance on extra-African trade. Algeria’s large share of deals highlights the benefits for countries with established industrial value chains and strategic positioning, setting an example for other African economies.
For African trade at large, the fair strengthens market access, investment flows, and regional integration by connecting thousands of businesses, including SMEs, with new partners and opportunities. Initiatives like the CANEX program and AU Youth Start-Up showcase promote innovation, cultural exchange, and creative industries, broadening trade beyond traditional sectors. The institutionalization of IATF as a permanent entity also ensures continuity, while rotating future hosting rights across African countries promotes inclusivity and regional balance. Overall, IATF2025 has reinforced the continent’s trajectory toward a more integrated, innovative, and competitive African market, aligned with AfCFTA’s long-term vision.