By Sesi Noah Lagos has been chosen by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat to host t...
By Sesi Noah
Lagos has been chosen by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat to host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) — a major win for Nigeria and West Africa.
Reacting to the announcement in Algiers, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the choice of Lagos highlights Nigeria’s vital role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s position as a leading commercial hub.
“We’re very excited but not surprised,” the Governor said. “This reflects our resilience, our strength, and our commitment to the #GreaterLagos vision under our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. Lagos is on its way to becoming a global financial hub, and this event will boost that journey. We’ve just hosted GITEX, the global tech expo, and in a few days, we’ll be hosting Africa’s first E1 electric boat race. We keep making history — that’s the Spirit of Lagos at work.”
Sanwo-Olu also noted that the nomination aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has been positively impacting Nigeria’s economy. He assured participants that Lagos, Africa’s largest city by population and its second-largest city economy, would deliver a world-class experience.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada-Ambrose, described the hosting rights as a proud moment for both Lagos and Nigeria. She stressed that the IATF — held every two years to boost intra-African trade and accelerate AfCFTA’s implementation — would serve as a major milestone for Nigeria and West Africa.
“Hosting IATF 2027 puts Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s trade future. It fits perfectly into our Lagos State Development Plan 2052 and shows we’re ready to welcome Africa and the world,” she said.
With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a vibrant economy, Lagos offers the perfect setting for trade and investment. The fair is expected to draw more than 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions in trade deals.
Key factors behind Lagos’ selection include:
Strategic economic role: As Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos drives Africa’s biggest economy.
Gateway to West Africa: Lagos offers unmatched access to regional markets with strong infrastructure and connectivity.
Commitment to AfCFTA: Hosting IATF 2027 will push Nigeria’s drive to deepen intra-African trade and strengthen local industries.
Bada-Ambrose added that Lagos’ nomination is a clear sign of Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership. She assured that the Lagos State Government, working with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, AU, and AfCFTA Secretariat, will ensure a seamless and impactful event, with infrastructure, logistics, security, and hospitality as top priorities.
She also revealed that Lagos has already sent its first delegation of 20 SMEs — trained under the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme — to this year’s fair in Algiers.
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