The Federal Republic of Nigeria has officially signed the host country agreement to stage the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), scheduled for November 5–11, 2027 in Lagos.

The agreement marks Nigeria’s takeover from Algeria, which hosted the fourth edition of the trade fair and facilitated nearly US$49.94 billion in trade and investment deals.

The signing ceremony took place in Lagos, the designated host city, and was concluded in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

Organisers say the 2027 edition is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors, 2,500 exhibitors and participants from over 100 countries, while aiming to generate at least US$50 billion in trade and investment agreements.

The event will be held under the theme “Global Africa, Smart Trade – From Market Access to Market Power,” and will feature trade exhibitions, investment forums, business-to-business and business-to-government meetings, and specialised platforms designed to boost African entrepreneurship and cross-border commerce.

Among the highlights will be the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme showcasing Africa’s creative industries, an Africa Automotive Show, an AU Youth Start-up Pavilion for young innovators, and the Africa Research and Innovation Hub aimed at connecting academia and industry.

Global Africa Day will also be staged during the fair to strengthen trade and investment ties between Africa and its diaspora communities.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who chairs the IATF2027 Advisory Council, described the signing of the host agreement as a historic moment for Nigeria and the continent.

He noted that Lagos previously hosted the 1980 Lagos Plan of Action, which championed Africa’s industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency.

“IATF2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scope and impact as we advance our shared goal for a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA,” Obasanjo said.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the event will come at a critical time for Africa’s economic transformation.

She stressed that strengthening intra-African trade remains vital as the continent navigates global economic challenges.

“IATF 2027 will therefore be a defining moment in accelerating and transforming intra-African trade and investment,” Oduwole said.

Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, praised Nigeria’s commitment to advancing continental trade integration, noting that the country’s industrial capacity and entrepreneurial ecosystem make it a natural host for the event.

He added that the trade fair plays a critical role in building Africa’s single market and expanding regional value chains.

Officials from the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat also emphasised that the fair has become a key platform for connecting African businesses, investors and policymakers.

Since its launch in 2018, the Intra-African Trade Fair has generated more than US$167 billion in trade and investment deals and attracted over 180,000 visitors from 132 countries.

Organisers say the 2027 edition in Lagos is expected to further accelerate trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area while strengthening Africa’s position in the global economy