Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has hailed the nomination of the state as Nigeria’s host city for the 2027 edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
The announcement was made by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat at the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers.
According to Adewale Akodu, spokesperson of the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI), the development marks a historic moment for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Responding to the news on Friday, Sanwo-Olu said the choice of Lagos underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s standing as a commercial and financial hub.
“We are very excited about the choice of Lagos for 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it is a reflection of our resilience, our strength and our commitment to the Greater Lagos journey as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda,” the governor said.
He added that the nomination will further boost efforts to position Lagos as a global financial hub.
“We have just successfully hosted GITEX, the global tech expo and in a few days, we will be hosting the spectacular E1 electric boat race, the first in Africa, which will put us in the company of leading cities, such as Monaco, Jeddah and others. We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor described the nomination as an acknowledgment of the state’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is already impacting Nigeria’s economy positively.
“It is a lot of work. I assure all would-be participants that we will have a great outing here in Africa’s most populous city, the continent’s second largest city economy. Lagos is, indeed, proud of this honor. On behalf of the government and the great people of Lagos, I thank the organisers for bestowing this honour on us,” he said.
Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, said hosting the biannual fair is a strategic milestone for Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa in boosting trade integration across the continent.
“Hosting the IATF 2027 positions us at the forefront of Africa’s trade future and reaffirms our commitment to fostering regional collaboration, investment, and innovation. It is particularly in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 being implemented by Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration. We are ready to welcome Africa and the world to our vibrant city,” Ambrose said.
She noted that the event is expected to attract more than 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.
Ambrose also highlighted Lagos’ strategic position as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and gateway to West Africa, stressing that hosting the IATF will accelerate Nigeria’s efforts in deepening intra-African trade and boosting competitiveness of local industries.
She added that preparations for the event will focus on infrastructure development, logistics, security, and hospitality, in partnership with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the AU, and the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Ambrose is currently leading a 20-member SME delegation from Lagos to the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers, where she also delivered the keynote address at the SME Pavilion for Africa.
