ECOWAS Participates at Regional Intra-African Fair, Deepens Engagement, Secures Nigeria as 2027 Host.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) made a strong showing at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), held in Algiers from 4 to 10 September, under the theme “Boosting Intra-African Trade for a Sustainable Future.”
Chaired by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the high-level trade event drew over 112,000 visitors from 132 countries, with 2,148 exhibitors showcasing Africa’s diverse economic potential. The fair recorded an impressive USD 48.3 billion in signed trade and investment deals.
Representing West Africa’s regional trade bloc, ECOWAS used the platform to deepen engagement with private and public sector stakeholders. The delegation organized strategic business-to-business (B2B) meetings, masterclasses, and policy discussions targeting the removal of trade barriers across the continent.
In partnership with regional and international institutions, ECOWAS positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s push toward a unified market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In a significant milestone for the sub-region, it was announced that the next edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair will be hosted by Nigeria in 2027—marking a return of the continent’s flagship trade event to West Africa.
The 2025 fair underscored Africa’s commitment to intra-continental trade, with ECOWAS reaffirming its role in driving integration and sustainable economic growth across West Africa.
