Nigeria’s private sector leaders have hailed the country’s successful bid to host the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 in Lagos, describing it as a landmark development that will expand trade, empower local businesses, and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a continental economic powerhouse.
The announcement has been met with widespread optimism from the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), including the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), both of which pledged to mobilise members for full participation in the fair.
NACCIMA President, Dele Oye, praised the Federal Government, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Lagos State Government for securing the hosting rights from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
He described the win as both a “national honour and a continental responsibility,” underscoring Nigeria’s leadership in advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
According to NACCIMA, hosting the IATF will provide Nigerian businesses—particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—with a rare platform to showcase their goods 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 attract long-term investments,” Oye stated.
The Director-General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, described the decision as a “historic opportunity for Nigeria.”
She said the fair will not only boost Nigeria’s exports but also spotlight Lagos as Africa’s innovation and investment hub.
“Hosting IATF 2027 presents a chance to reinforce our leadership in the AfCFTA while creating opportunities for thousands of SMEs.
With nearly four decades of experience in organising international trade fairs, we are ready to work with stakeholders to deliver a world-class event,” Almona added.
She disclosed that the chamber, in partnership with Afreximbank, is already supporting 20 Nigerian export-oriented SMEs at IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria, where trade and investment deals worth over $44 billion are expected to be signed.
The ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers has attracted over 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 participants from 140 countries, cementing its reputation as Africa’s largest trade and investment marketplace.
The fair features dedicated programmes such as the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) for arts and culture, the Africa Automotive Show, Diaspora Day, and policy dialogues on women, youth, innovation, and research.
Analysts believe that Nigeria’s hosting in 2027 will raise the bar further, given Lagos’ status as one of Africa’s most dynamic commercial cities.
The OPSN noted that the fair would deepen intra-African trade and support Nigeria’s ambition to reduce dependence on imports.
For MSMEs, the event is expected to provide new export opportunities, facilitate access to finance, and strengthen supply chains across the continent.
Economic experts also argue that IATF 2027 could be a turning point for Nigeria’s non-oil exports, helping sectors such as agriculture, textiles, creative industries, and technology attract foreign investment.
The Federal Government has pledged to collaborate with Lagos State, Afreximbank, and the African Union to ensure a seamless organisation of the 2027 edition.
Industry stakeholders stress that the partnership between government and the private sector will be crucial in leveraging the fair’s benefits for the Nigerian economy.
Already, Lagos State has expressed readiness to provide infrastructure, logistics, and security support to make the trade fair a global success.
Nigeria’s Role in Africa’s Economic Integration
The hosting of IATF 2027 is seen as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s central role in driving regional trade under the AfCFTA. With a population of over 200 million and a large consumer base, Nigeria remains a critical market for African businesses.
“The IATF will allow Nigeria to assert its leadership in Africa’s integration journey, while creating jobs, boosting local industries, and showcasing the country’s potential as a top investment destination,” OPSN noted.
With global attention shifting to Africa’s emerging markets, the IATF 2027 in Lagos is expected to be more than just a trade fair—it will be a catalyst for innovation, investment, and continental cooperation.
For Nigerian businesses, it represents an unmatched opportunity to expand their reach, form partnerships, and drive sustainable growth.
As the countdown begins, private sector groups are urging businesses to prepare early to maximise the opportunities the event presents.
By hosting IATF 2027, Nigeria is not only opening its doors to Africa but also projecting itself as the gateway to global trade.
