Algiers, Algeria, 16th April 2024 – From the 14th to the 16th of April 2024, Algiers hosted a pivotal moment for the African trade community with the signing of the hosting agreement for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025. The event brought together key stakeholders from across the continent, reaffirming their commitment to fostering economic integration and trade within Africa.

H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, was represented at the event by Mr. Chawki Jaballi, Head of Division Capacity Building Customs. Alongside other notable figures such as H.E. Tayeb Zitouni, Algeria’s Minister of Trade and Promotion of Exports, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, and H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria and Chairperson of the Advisory Council, the delegation solidified Algeria’s role as the host for the fourth edition of the IATF.

The gathering served as a platform to discuss how the IATF 2025 will enhance intra-African trade, boost tourism, and expand economic opportunities across the continent. A particular focus was placed on deepening trade partnerships between Africa and the Arab world. In his opening speech, Chief Obasanjo congratulated Algeria on securing the bid to host the event, emphasizing the transformative impact the fair will have on Africa’s socio-economic landscape.

The signing of the hosting agreement was the cornerstone of the event, marking a significant milestone towards achieving the goals set out in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Scheduled to take place from the 4th to the 10th of September 2025, the IATF is expected to showcase a wide range of industrial goods, provide a platform for trade and investment forums, and feature events such as the automotive forum and youth forum. These efforts are designed to stimulate economic growth and foster greater collaboration among African businesses and entrepreneurs.

The outcomes of this meeting underscore the collective vision of all involved to make IATF 2025 a defining moment in Africa’s economic journey. The next steps involve meticulous coordination between Algeria, Afreximbank, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and other partners to ensure that the logistics, registration processes, and invitations to heads of state are managed effectively and timely.

H.E. Wamkele Mene and his team remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that IATF 2025 not only strengthens intra-African trade but also sets new standards for economic integration on the continent. The hosting of this event in Algeria is poised to be a key driver of Africa’s collective quest for unity, prosperity, and growth.