Lagos Set to Welcome the World: Nigeria to Host IATF 2027

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The announcement came with thunderous applause in Algiers during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). There, in front of delegates, business leaders, and African policymakers, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, stepped forward to receive the symbolic IATF flag. The flag was more than a ceremonial handover; it was a powerful signal that in 2027, Lagos will host the world.

For Nigeria, this event isn’t just about logistics or infrastructure. It is about reclaiming a central role in Africa’s trade story. It is about telling the world that Nigeria is not just Africa’s most populous nation but also a fertile ground for investment, culture, and innovation.

Former Nigerian President and current Chairman of the IATF Advisory Council, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, captured the moment with a sense of continuity and pride:

“Since its inception, the IATF has rotated across our continent, leaving its unique legacy and improving with each host nation. Today, we continue the proud tradition by announcing the country that will host IATF 2027.”

This milestone positions Nigeria at the heart of Africa’s intra-continental trade journey, one that is deeply intertwined with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

 

Lagos: More Than a City, an Experience

Lagos is not just Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre; it is a cultural canvas where modern ambition and ancestral heritage meet. Hosting IATF in Lagos means inviting the world into a city of contrasts:

• Where the roar of traffic competes with the rhythms of Afrobeat.
• Where skyscrapers reflect sunlight over the lagoon, while bustling markets offer handcrafted artistry.
• Where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with tech startups and digital innovation.

For business leaders, Lagos offers a robust environment for investment. For cultural explorers, it is a living museum of Africa’s resilience and creativity.

By 2027, Lagos is projected to welcome thousands of delegates, investors, and visitors. And while the fair itself will be a hive of activity, the city’s magnetic energy will ensure every visitor leaves with a taste of Nigeria’s vibrant identity.

The Vision Behind the Intra-African Trade Fair

The IATF, organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, is more than a trade exhibition. It is a platform where Africa speaks to itself, builds with itself, and connects to the world on its own terms.

The fair is designed to:

• Showcase goods and services across multiple industries.
• Create spaces for business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) engagements.
• Address trade challenges and explore solutions.
• Accelerate the implementation of AfCFTA by bringing the single market vision to life.

Since its launch, the IATF has evolved into a continental marketplace where entrepreneurs, investors, and governments forge partnerships that outlive the event itself. It is where deals are signed, collaborations are born, and African dreams are given global platforms.

 

Why This Matters for Nigeria

Hosting IATF 2027 is more than symbolic; it is a strategic move. Nigeria is home to one of the largest markets in Africa, boasting a young population, rich natural resources, and a rapidly growing creative economy.

Here’s what it means in real terms:

1. A Global Stage for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, will gain access to investors, buyers, and partners from around the world.
2. Showcasing Creative Industries: Nigeria’s music, film, and fashion industries are global exports. IATF 2027 will highlight the country’s cultural wealth and creative potential.
3. Attracting Foreign Investment: With Lagos as host, the event will strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as an investment destination, not just in oil and gas, but also in tech, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
4. Strengthening AfCFTA Goals: Nigeria’s leadership in hosting the fair reinforces its role in advancing the AfCFTA’s dream of a unified African market.

 

Beyond Economics: A Cultural Homecoming

Attending IATF 2027 in Lagos State is to step into a cultural symphony. Beyond boardrooms and exhibition halls, the city offers an immersion in Nigerian life that blends modern sophistication with timeless traditions.

• The sounds of Afrobeat will greet visitors in every corner of the city, from live performances at the New Afrika Shrine to rooftop lounges in Victoria Island.
• The flavours of Nigeria will be impossible to ignore—smoky suya, spicy jollof rice, pepper soup, and palm wine.
• The heritage of the Yoruba people will echo through festivals, arts, and storytelling woven into the city’s cultural fabric.

For many visitors, the trip will be their first experience of Nigeria. And Lagos will ensure it is unforgettable.

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Tourism Spotlight: Lagos Awaits the World

While the trade fair will be the central attraction, visitors will have a rare chance to explore Lagos’s treasures.

Beaches and Waterfronts

From the tranquil Tarkwa Bay to the lively Elegushi Beach, Lagos offers golden sands, blue waters, and a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Markets and Shopping

The Lekki Arts and Crafts Market is a cultural treasure chest filled with handmade jewellery, fabrics, carvings, and paintings. For those who are adventurous, Balogun Market provides a glimpse into the vibrant trading spirit of Lagos.

Museums and Heritage Sites

History lovers can wander through the National Museum Lagos, the Nike Art Gallery, and Freedom Park, discovering the stories that shape Nigeria’s past and present.

Nightlife and Entertainment

As the sun sets, Lagos transforms. From Afrobeat clubs to high-end lounges, the city’s nightlife captures its essence: bold, colourful, and unforgettable.

Culinary Adventures

No trip to Lagos is complete without tasting pounded yam with egusi soup, amala with gbegiri, or the globally acclaimed Nigerian jollof rice. Food here is more than sustenance; it is heritage on a plate.

 

Lagos 2027: More Than a Fair

IATF 2027 is not just about trade deals and policy discussions. It is about rebranding Africa’s image, telling African stories through African voices, and inviting the world to witness a continent in transformation.

For Nigeria, it is an opportunity to redefine its narrative, moving beyond challenges to highlight opportunities, resilience, and innovation.

For every visitor, it will be a chance not only to attend a trade fair but also to experience Lagos as Africa’s beating heart. In this place, commerce, culture, and creativity converge.

 

The Future Meets the Present in Lagos

When the IATF flag was handed to Nigeria in 2025, it wasn’t just a symbol; it was a call to action. In 2027, Lagos will answer that call by welcoming the world, hosting Africa, and showcasing what it truly means to be a nation of vision, culture, and enterprise.

One thing is sure: Lagos is prepared for this historic gathering. Nigeria is ready. Africa is ready.

And in the spirit of AfCFTA, the world will not just watch but participate in a new chapter of African trade and cultural renaissance.

 

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