Lagos to Host 2027 IATF As Nigeria Eyes $50 Billion Deal
Nigeria is gearing up to showcase its economic clout on the continental stage, aiming to secure over $50 billion in trade and investment deals as Lagos hosts the 2027 Intra‑African Trade Fair (IATF) in November.
The announcement signals the Federal Government’s determination to boost intra‑African commerce and cement the country’s position as a trade powerhouse.
The ambitious target was unveiled by Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, during the signing of the IATF 2027 Hosting Agreement in Lagos, a formal pact that confirms Nigeria’s role as the host for the fifth edition of Africa’s flagship trade fair. “We’re expecting to welcome over 100,000 participants, both physical and virtual, and generate more than $50 billion in deals,” Oduwole said, highlighting the event’s potential to attract investors, governments, and entrepreneurs from across the continent.
Nigeria’s successful bid was secured through a multilateral agreement involving the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the AfCFTA Secretariat. Observers at the signing expressed confidence that the Lagos edition would outshine the 2025 Algiers fair, which recorded approximately $48.3 billion in trade deals, setting a new benchmark for Africa’s commercial ecosystem.
The IATF is not just about big-ticket deals. It is expected to open doors for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), connecting them with buyers, financiers, and strategic partners, while providing a platform for value-chain expansion and export growth across Africa.
Hosting the trade fair in Lagos underscores the city’s emerging role as Africa’s commercial hub. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and dynamic business ecosystem, Lagos is poised to lead the continent in fostering greater economic integration, investment, and job creation.
As preparations accelerate, the Federal Government is mobilising public and private sector stakeholders to ensure the Lagos IATF becomes a transformative event, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African trade landscape.
