Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has hailed the nomination of the state as Nigeria’s host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
This was stated on Monday by Mr Adewale Akodu, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI).
Akodu said the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat announced the nomination at the ongoing IATF 2025.
He added that the nomination marks a historic moment for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
IATF is the continent’s premier trade and investment event, held every two years to promote intra-African trade and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA.
Responding to the announcement in Algiers on Friday, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said the selection underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and Lagos State’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.
“We are very excited about Lagos being chosen for the 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it reflects our resilience, strength, and commitment to the Greater Lagos journey, as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda.
“We are striving to make Lagos a global financial hub, and this will definitely boost our efforts.
“We have just successfully hosted GITEX, the global tech expo, and in a few days, we will host the spectacular E1 electric boat race, the first in Africa, which will place us alongside leading cities such as Monaco and Jeddah.
“We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu described the nomination as a vivid acknowledgment of the state’s commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has positively impacted Nigeria’s economy.
“It is a lot of work. I assure all prospective participants that we will deliver a great event here in Africa’s most populous city and the continent’s second-largest economy.
“Lagos is indeed proud of this honour. On behalf of the government and the great people of Lagos, I thank the organisers for bestowing this recognition on us,” he added.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, said hosting the biannual event is a strategic milestone for Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa in promoting continental trade integration.
Ambrose stated that the fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals, aligning with the state’s development plan.
“Hosting 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 aligned with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052, being implemented under Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s administration. We are ready to welcome Africa and the world to our vibrant city.
“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 Africa’s future.
“The fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals,” she said.
Ambrose highlighted Lagos’ strategic economic positioning as a key factor in its nomination. She noted that Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with Lagos as its economic nerve centre and gateway to West Africa, offering unmatched access to regional markets.
She added that with rapidly modernising infrastructure and international connectivity, as well as a strong commitment to AfCFTA, hosting IATF 2027 will accelerate Nigeria’s efforts to deepen intra-African trade and position local industries for continental competitiveness.
Ambrose further said that Lagos’ selection reflects Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and the state’s readiness to deliver an impactful event that will leave a lasting legacy beyond 2027.
“The Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Afreximbank, the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will commence preparations to deliver a world-class trade fair, with infrastructure development, logistics, security, and hospitality as top priorities,” she said.
According to her, as Africa continues building an integrated, borderless trade environment, IATF 2027 in Lagos will serve as a defining platform to unlock new markets, strengthen business ties, and drive sustainable growth across the continent.
Ambrose is leading the first delegation of 20 SMEs, out of 253 trained under the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme (LASERP) approved by Gov. Sanwo-Olu, to the 2025 IATF in Algiers.
She also delivered the keynote opening address at the SME Pavilion for Africa while participating in the Nigeria Pavilion at the event, which commenced on Saturday.
