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September 8, 2025 by Our Reporter
•Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (left) and Mrs. Bada-Ambrose holding the IATF flag in Algiers, Algeria, as a symbolic nomination of Lagos to host the 2027 IATF AfCFTA Marketplace… at the weekend.
Lagos State will host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) – the continent’s premier trade and investment event.
The nomination was done by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reacting to the nomination in Algiers, Algeria, at the weekend, said the choice of Lagos underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.
He said: “We are excited about the choice of Lagos for the 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it reflects our resilience, strength and commitment to the Greater Lagos journey as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. We are striving towards making Lagos a global financial hub and this will boost our efforts.
“We have just successfully hosted GITEX, the global tech expo and, in a few days, we will be hosting the spectacular E1 electric boat race, the first in Africa, which will put us in the company of leading cities such as Monaco, Jeddah and others. We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also described the nomination as a vivid acknowledgment of the state’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has impacted Nigeria’s economy positively.
“It is a lot of work. I assure all would-be participants that we will have a great outing here in Africa’s most populous city, the continent’s second largest city economy. Lagos is indeed proud of this honour. On behalf of the government and the great people of Lagos, I thank the organisers for bestowing this honour on us,” he said.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, noted that the IATF, held every two years, was to promote intra-African trade and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA. She described the nomination as a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigeria.
“The opportunity is a strategic milestone for Nigeria and West Africa in boosting continental trade integration.
“Hosting the IATF 2027 positions us at the forefront of Africa’s trade future, and reaffirms our commitment to fostering regional collaboration, investment and innovation.
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It is particularly in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 being implemented by the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration. We are ready to welcome Africa and the world to our vibrant city.
“With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a diverse, entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal setting for trade, dialogue and business partnerships that will shape the future of Africa. The fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.”
The commissioner listed key highlights of Lagos’ nomination to include strategic economic position – Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with Lagos as its economic nerve centre; gateway to West Africa – the city offers unmatched access to West African markets, with a rapidly modernising infrastructure and international connectivity; and commitment to AfCFTA – hosting the IATF 2027 will accelerate Nigeria’s efforts in deepening intra-African trade and positioning local industries for continental competitiveness.
Mrs. Bada-Ambrose also affirmed that the choice of Lagos reflected Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos State’s readiness to deliver an impactful event that would leave a legacy beyond 2027.
“Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the African Union (AU), and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will begin preparations to deliver a world-class trade fair, with infrastructure development, logistics, security and hospitality among top priorities.
“As Africa continues to build towards an integrated, borderless trade environment, IATF 2027 in Lagos will serve as a defining platform to unlock new markets, strengthen business ties, and drive sustainable growth across the continent,” she added.
Mrs. Bada-Ambrose is leading the first delegation of 20 of the 253 SMEs trained under the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme (LASERP), approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu, to this year’s edition of IATF in Algiers.
English (US)