Lagos State has been chosen to host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), following an announcement by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The decision is widely regarded as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and the West African sub-region, reaffirming Lagos’ status as one of Africa’s leading economic hubs.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the nomination as “a reflection of our resilience, our strength and our commitment to the #GreaterLagos journey.”
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He linked the recognition to the state’s ambition of becoming a global financial centre and noted its alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also pointed to Lagos’ successful hosting of major international events, including the GITEX global tech expo and the forthcoming E1 electric boat race, as proof of its readiness.
“We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work,” the governor declared.
The IATF, held every two years, is Africa’s flagship trade and investment fair designed to boost intra-African trade and fast-track the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Also, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, hailed the announcement as “a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigeria,” stressing that it aligns with the state development plan 2052 and strengthens the state’s role in shaping Africa’s trade future.
Bada-Ambrose explained that Lagos’ selection was strategic, given Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation.
With a population of more than 23 million, Lagos stands as the country’s commercial powerhouse and a natural gateway for regional trade.
The 2027 fair is expected to host over 1,600 exhibitors and draw around 35,000 visitors, unlocking billions of dollars in trade and investment opportunities.
She further highlighted the state’s coastal advantage and rapidly modernising infrastructure, which provide unrivalled access to West African markets.
The commissioner noted that preparations for the event will involve collaboration with the Federal Government, FG, Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, focusing on infrastructure, logistics, security, and hospitality to ensure a world-class showcase.
Bada-Ambrose is currently leading Lagos’ first delegation of 20 SMEs from the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme (LASERP) to the ongoing IATF in Algiers.
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She also delivered the keynote address at the SME Pavilion and took part in activities at the Nigeria Pavilion, reinforcing Lagos’ commitment to advancing continental trade integration.
The 2027 IATF in Lagos is expected to be a defining platform for unlocking new markets, deepening business partnerships, and solidifying Africa’s trade future.
