Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other African leaders and business figures have called for stronger trade relations across the continent as Lagos prepares to host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
The call was made during the signing of the hosting agreement for the 2027 edition of the trade fair in Lagos.
The event attracted policymakers, business executives, and stakeholders who described the fair as a key platform for strengthening trade, investment, and industrial collaboration within Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Among dignitaries present at the signing ceremony were Obasanjo, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, and the President of African Export-Import Bank, George Elombi.
Also in attendance was Francisca Tatchoup Belobe of the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Speaking at the event, Obasanjo said hosting the trade fair in Lagos carries historical significance, recalling that African leaders once gathered in the city to sign the Lagos Plan of Action, which aimed to promote economic independence and reduce the continent’s reliance on raw material exports.
He urged African countries to strengthen economic integration and advance the continent’s development through initiatives such as the Intra-Africa Trade Fair.
Obasanjo also expressed confidence that the 2027 edition would surpass previous fairs in participation and the value of trade deals, while calling on organisers to adequately plan for weather and climate conditions during the event.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the forthcoming fair as a significant step toward boosting trade and investment within Africa.
According to him, Lagos is preparing to welcome participants from across the continent for what he said would be a landmark gathering for African commerce.
He noted that the state aims not only to exceed the transaction levels recorded at previous editions of the fair but also to create a platform that will encourage partnerships, capital flows, innovation, and the exchange of skills among African businesses.
Also speaking, Belobe said the AfCFTA represents one of Africa’s most ambitious economic integration initiatives.
She noted that the success of the agreement would depend on the ability of African businesses to connect with each other and build regional value chains.
