Sanwo-Olu hails Lagos choice for Intra-African Trade Fair

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed Lagos’ nomination by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, as the host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair.

A Sunday statement by the spokesperson for the state’s Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Adewale Akodu, noted that Sanwo-Olu responded to the announcement in Algiers on Friday, where he said the choice of Lagos underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.

“We are very excited about the choice of Lagos for the 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. We are striving towards making Lagos a global financial hub; this will definitely boost our efforts.

“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,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu described the nomination as an acknowledgment of the state’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he noted had positively impacted the economy.

The IATF2025 is concluding on September 10 in Algiers, and according to the organisers, it has access to over 1.4 billion people and a GDP exceeding $3.5tn.

The trade fair explores key sectors like manufacturing, ICT, energy, finance, health, and creative industries.

According to the Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose, the news of hosting the IATF 2027 is a proud moment for Lagos and Nigeria.

“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,” she said.

Ambrose, who is leading the first delegation of 20 SMEs out of 253 trained under Lagos State Export Readiness Programme, to the 2025 IATF, added, “With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a diverse, entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal setting for trade, dialogue, and business partnerships that will shape the future of Africa. The fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.