Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has applauded the selection of Lagos as host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), calling it a “historic honour” for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The announcement was made by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat during the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers. According to the Lagos Ministry of Commerce, the choice of Lagos underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in continental trade and integration.
Sanwo-Olu said the nomination affirms Lagos’ position as Africa’s economic nerve centre and its commitment to becoming a global financial hub. “It reflects our resilience and our strength as a city,” he noted, pointing to recent global events hosted by Lagos, including GITEX tech expo and the upcoming E1 electric boat race, Africa’s first.
The governor added that the hosting rights also align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to boost Nigeria’s economy through innovation, trade, and investment.
Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, said IATF 2027 is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals. She described it as a strategic milestone for Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa.
“Hosting this biannual event positions Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s trade future and reaffirms our commitment to regional collaboration, investment, and innovation,” Ambrose said.
With its 23 million population, strategic coastal access, and vibrant entrepreneurial economy, Lagos is seen as an ideal gateway to West Africa’s markets and a natural host for the continent’s premier trade event.