10 September 2025 The IATF2025 trade fair in Algiers ended on a high note, exceeding even the most ambitious forecasts. This historic success consolidates Africa’s role as a driving force in international trade. These remarkable achievements pave the way for a new dynamic for the continent’s economic cohesion.
The 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) closed its doors with results that exceeded all expectations. According to official figures, the event generated $48.3 billion in agreements, welcomed more than 2,100 exhibitors and attracted 112,000 participants from 132 countries, not to mention the exceptional presence of twenty heads of state. These figures make this edition the largest and most influential since the fair was launched in 2018. For Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF Advisory Board and former President of Nigeria, this Algerian event represents a turning point in the history of the fair.
Ladies and gentlemen, we have seen agreements forged, partnerships strengthened, new opportunities seized and the foundations for future prosperity laid. The energy and enthusiasm of this past week have been truly inspiring.
Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF Advisory Board
Beyond the figures, the strategic challenge remains to transform intentions into tangible results for the African economy. IATF2025 has raised the continent’s profile on the international stage. From 80 countries represented in 2023, participation has grown to 132 in 2025.
Mr President, not only have we achieved this goal, but we have also exceeded our own expectations and demonstrated Africa’s strength when it acts in unity towards a common goal. May this momentum continue for a long time to come, for the progress of Africa and its diaspora.
Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF Advisory Board
In addition, $11.4 billion in contracts and exceptional popular mobilisation have been recorded for this edition of the IATF, making it one of the visible drivers of African economic integration. The challenge now is to transform this momentum into sustainable intra-African trade, which the AfCFTA aims to double by 2035. In other words, this meeting in Algiers marks a decisive step in the construction of a continental market. The next stage of this journey will take place in Lagos in 2027.
