Reporting by Freshangle indicates that the Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the host agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027). The signing ceremony, held in Lagos, positions Nigeria to host what is expected to be the continent’s largest marketplace, with a target of over $50 billion in trade and investment deals.
The event, organized in partnership with Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat, aims to attract 100,000 visitors and over 2,500 exhibitors. Nigeria takes over the baton from Algeria, signaling its renewed leadership role in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Validation: The Sun and Channels TV verified the agreement. The Sun mentioned that “IATF2027 will feature a Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) showcase,” and Channels TV reported, “Nigeria is gearing up for Africa’s biggest trade marketplace.”
Echotitbits take: Hosting IATF2027 is a massive diplomatic and economic win. The focus on “Global Africa” suggests that the government is finally looking to leverage the creative and tech sectors as primary drivers of intra-continental trade.
Source: Dawan – https://www.dawan.africa/news/lagos-set-to-become-africas-trade-powerhouse-iatf-2027-promises-continental-surge, March 10, 2026
Photo credit: Guardian
