BY ADENEKAN VICTORIA FAITH
Lagos State, Nigeria, has been nominated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, as the host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). The nomination marks a historic moment for the country and the West African sub-region.
Responding to the announcement in Algiers on Friday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the choice of Lagos underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.
His words: “We are very excited about the choice of Lagos for the 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it is a reflection of our resilience, our strength and our 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; this will definitely 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.”
Sanwo-Olu described the nomination as a vivid acknowledgement of the State’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has positively impacted Nigeria’s economy.
“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.
According to the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Kaosarat Bada-Ambrose, the news of the hosting of IATF – the continent’s premier trade and investment event, held every two years to promote intra-African trade and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA, is 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. It is particularly in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, being implemented by Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s 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 affirmed that the choice of Lagos reflects Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos State’s readiness to deliver an impactful event that will leave a legacy beyond 2027.
“The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will commence preparations to deliver a world-class trade fair, with infrastructure development, logistics, security, and hospitality among top priorities,” she said.
According to her, as Africa continues to build toward 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.
Bada-Ambrose is leading the first delegation of 20 SMEs out of 253 trained under Lagos State Export Readiness Programme (LASERP), approved by the Governor of Lagos State, to this year’s edition of IATF in Algiers. The HC also delivered the keynote opening address at the SME Pavilion for Africa whilst also participating in the Nigeria Pavilion at the event that kicked off on Saturday.
