AFRICA | IATF2025: Africa's Premier Trade Fair Opens Gateway to New Opportunities for Caribbean Diaspora

 

ALGIERS, Algeria – March 4, 2025 - In a bold convergence of commerce and culture, over 35,000 visitors from more than 140 countries will descend upon Algiers in September as Algeria hosts the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025), Africa's premier trade and investment event.

The week-long commercial summit, scheduled for September 4-10, 2025, represents a golden opportunity for Caribbean entrepreneurs with African heritage to reconnect with the continent's booming marketplace.

More than 2,000 exhibitors – spanning African businesses and global enterprises – will showcase their goods and services, with projections pointing to an impressive US$44 billion in trade and investment deals.

Hosted by the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria under the aptly themed "Gateway to New Opportunities," IATF2025 offers Caribbean business leaders unparalleled access to Africa's expanding single market.

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creating a united economic zone of over 1.4 billion people and a GDP exceeding US$3.5 trillion, the timing couldn't be more opportune for Caribbean investors looking eastward across the Atlantic.

H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the IATF Advisory Council, emphasized the fair's proven track record: "The IATF has distinguished itself as an instrument for promoting intra-African trade and investment by enabling businesses to interact and access trade and market information opportunities.

Over $100 billion in trade and investment deals have been closed cumulatively with over 70,000 visitors and more than 4,500 exhibitors participating in the last three editions."

For Caribbean entrepreneurs of African descent, IATF2025 presents a unique platform to leverage cultural connections while establishing profitable business relationships. The fair doesn't merely facilitate transactions – it forges relationships that bridge historical divides.

"IATF is the largest, holistic trade fair championing the continent's growth and development," Chief Obasanjo added. "It serves as a collaborative platform for driving shared aspirations for prosperity and stability, as envisioned by AfCFTA."

The event's impressive roster will feature Heads of State and Governments, Ministers of Trade, Finance, and Culture, alongside high-profile business leaders and representatives from small and medium enterprises across industries.

Caribbean attendees can engage with a diverse array of programming, including a comprehensive trade exhibition, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme featuring fashion, music, film, arts, sports, literature, and culinary arts, and a four-day Trade and Investment Forum with leading African and international speakers.

The Africa Automotive Show will spotlight opportunities in manufacturing and supply chains, while specialized country-focused days will highlight specific investment opportunities.

Of particular significance to Caribbean participants is the IATF Diaspora Day, which celebrates commercial and cultural connections between Africa and its global diaspora.

This dedicated programming includes a Diaspora Summit, marketplace exhibitions, and cultural showcases – creating natural entry points for Caribbean businesses seeking continental partnerships.

Additional features include business matchmaking platforms, the AU Youth Start-Up programme showcasing innovations, and the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network promoting trade and educational exchanges at the local level. For those unable to attend in person, the IATF Virtual platform is already operational, connecting exhibitors and visitors digitally.

The biennial event is organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat. It builds upon the success of previous editions held in Egypt, South Africa, and Côte d'Ivoire.

For Caribbean business leaders seeking to expand their commercial footprint into Africa's dynamic markets, IATF2025 represents not just a trade fair, but a homecoming – one that promises both cultural reconnection and commercial opportunity on an unprecedented scale.

To participate in IATF2025, interested Caribbean businesses and individuals can visit www.intrafricantradefair.com for registration information.

About the Intra-African Trade Fair

Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) provides a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment. IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase goods and services, explore business opportunities, share market information, and address challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment.

The Trade Fair welcomes businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in supporting Africa's transformation through industrialization and trade.

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