Lagos has been officially chosen to host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), a decision announced by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat. The nomination marks a historic milestone, not only for Nigeria but for the entire West African sub-region.
Reacting to the news in Algiers on Friday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the recognition as a testament to the state’s growing influence as Africa’s commercial heartbeat. He said the choice of Lagos reflects resilience, strength, and the progress achieved under his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda, which seeks to transform the state into a global financial hub.
“We are delighted by this honor, though not surprised,” Sanwo-Olu said. “This is proof of Lagos’ spirit and its global outlook. From successfully hosting GITEX, a global tech expo, to preparing for Africa’s first-ever E1 electric boat race, Lagos continues to make history. Hosting IATF 2027 will only push us further in our journey.”
The governor also emphasized that the hosting right aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which, according to him, is already yielding positive results for Nigeria’s economy. He assured participants that Lagos will deliver an exceptional outing worthy of its reputation as Africa’s most populous city and one of the continent’s largest economies.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Kaosarat Bada Ambrose, described the development as a proud moment for Lagos and Nigeria. She noted that the fair, held every two years, is the continent’s premier trade and investment platform, designed to deepen intra-African trade and fast-track the implementation of the AfCFTA.
“Hosting IATF 2027 positions Lagos at the heart of Africa’s trade future,” Ambrose said. “With over 23 million residents, strategic coastal access, and an entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal environment for trade, dialogue, and partnerships that will shape the continent’s future. The fair is projected to bring together more than 1,600 exhibitors, attract 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment.”
She further highlighted Lagos’ advantages: its role as Nigeria’s economic nerve center, its unmatched access to West African markets, and its commitment to strengthening AfCFTA goals. She affirmed that the nomination reflects confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos’ capacity to deliver an impactful event with lasting legacy.
According to her, preparations will begin in collaboration with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the African Union, and AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure world-class standards in infrastructure, logistics, security, and hospitality.
Ambrose is currently leading Lagos’ first SME delegation—20 businesses selected from 253 trained under the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme—to this year’s IATF in Algiers. She also delivered the keynote address at the SME Pavilion for Africa while participating at the Nigeria Pavilion, signaling Lagos’ readiness for its bigger role in 2027.
