With the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) just months away, the Federal Government is calling on Nigerian businesses—particularly SMEs and creatives—to seize the opportunity to expand into Africa's $3.4 trillion single market.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, speaking during a virtual roadshow in Lagos, said the fair offers more than just exhibition space—it provides direct access to buyers, investors, and policy conversations vital to unlocking the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
"This is Nigeria's chance to lead from the front. IATF is a bridge to markets and meaningful partnerships," she said, adding that Nigeria's national intellectual property policy will launch this summer to support innovators and creators.
Organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the IATF2025 will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4–10. Nigeria's participation is being coordinated by a newly formed National Preparatory Committee that includes representatives from government, industry, and the creative sector.
Nonye Ayeni, CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), emphasized the need for businesses to move from "export ambition to execution," especially SMEs that drive non-oil trade growth.
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"Standardisation, branding, and new market access are key. We're equipping SMEs to succeed," Ayeni said.
Nigeria, a consistent top-five participant in past editions, has accounted for a large share of the over $43 billion in trade and investment deals concluded at the fair since 2018. Officials believe this year offers even greater potential—especially for businesses in fashion, tech, film, and professional services.
The Nigerian Pavilion will host over 150 companies, and the government plans to leverage the event to promote Made-in-Nigeria goods, draw investment, and highlight customs reforms and trade facilitation upgrades.
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President at Afreximbank, encouraged Nigerian entrepreneurs to fully engage, saying: "We want to see Nigerian firms sign intra-African contracts and lead trade across new corridors like Lagos–Dakar and Lagos–Abidjan."
