Victor Ezeja
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has applauded the selection of Lagos as the host city for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027, noting that the fair would expand the country’s export potential, attract foreign and local investments, and create significant opportunities for SMEs.
Nigeria was named the host country for the IATF 2027 with Lagos as the host city. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the chair of the IATF 2025 Advisory Council, made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition in Algiers, Algeria on Thursday last week.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe event will be hosted by the African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
In a statement on Monday, the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said the IATF will spur growth across tourism, hospitality, and allied industries.
“Beyond commerce, it will spotlight Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse while reinforcing our leadership in the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade growth agenda,” Almona stated.
She revealed that LCCI, which is already in partnership with AFREXIM Bank, is supporting about 20 export-focused SMEs currently participating in IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
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She said that as Lagos is the host city, the chamber would work closely with all stakeholders to deliver a world-class event. “We will mobilize the business community, facilitate investment and policy dialogues, drive advocacy and awareness, and strengthen private sector participation to ensure that Nigerian enterprises fully maximize this historic opportunity.
“With nearly 40 years of experience in organizing international trade fairs in Lagos, Africa’s fourth largest economy, LCCI looks forward to contributing its expertise to the successful planning and delivery of IATF 2027.
“This landmark decision reaffirms Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s trade integration agenda. The LCCI affirms its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs, maximise the opportunities that this event will bring.”
While congratulating the Nigerian government on securing the hosting, the chamber pledged to work with all stakeholders to deliver an inclusive and impactful IATF 2027 in Lagos.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
