Obasanjo highlights milestones of Intra-African Trade Fair since its inception

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a compelling inaugural address at the opening ceremony of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025, currently underway in Algiers, Algeria. Speaking to a packed auditorium of policymakers, entrepreneurs, and trade experts from across the continent, Obasanjo recounted the transformative journey of intra-African trade since the fair’s inception, celebrating its role in reshaping the continent’s economic landscape.

Obasanjo, who chairs the Advisory Council of the Intra African Trade Fair emphasized that the IATF has evolved into a cornerstone of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

He noted that since the first edition in Cairo in 2018, the fair has facilitated over $100 billion in trade and investment deals, catalyzed regional value chains, and empowered thousands of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to scale across borders.

“Intra-African trade is no longer a dream deferred,” Obasanjo declared. “It is a living reality—driven by African ingenuity, resilience, and a shared commitment to economic sovereignty.”

He cited success stories like the EPC deal in Africa which was concluded between Egyptian contractors and the Government of Tanzania. The USD 2.9 billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (Rufiji Dam) is also one of Africa’s largest energy infrastructure undertakings and was executed solely by African companies through a joint venture between Elsewedy Electric and the Arab Contractors.

The project is designed to deliver 2,115 MW of clean power and generate more than 6,000 GWh annually, securing reliable electricity for over 60 million Tanzanians.

Obasanjo also lauded the increasing participation of youth-led startups and women-owned businesses, which he described as the “heartbeat of Africa’s economic renaissance.” He called for sustained investment in digital infrastructure, logistics, and harmonized trade policies to ensure that the momentum generated by IATF is not only maintained but accelerated in the years ahead.

This year’s edition of the trade fair features over 1,600 exhibitors from 55 countries and is expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors. Key highlights include the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) pavilion, showcasing the continent’s booming creative economy, and the Automotive Show, spotlighting Africa’s emerging vehicle manufacturing sector.

Obasanjo concluded his address with a rallying call to African leaders and stakeholders: “Let us trade more with each other, invest more in each other, and believe more in each other. The future of Africa is not just bright—it is borderless.” His remarks set an optimistic tone for what promises to be a landmark edition of the IATF, reinforcing the fair’s role as a catalyst for inclusive growth and pan-African solidarity.

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