Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lagos’ Nomination as Host City for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has welcomed the nomination of Lagos as Nigeria’s host city for the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).

In a statement released Monday by Mr. Adewale Akodu, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, it was confirmed that the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat jointly made the announcement during the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers.

Akodu described the nomination as a historic milestone for Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.

Responding to the announcement, Sanwo-Olu said the choice of Lagos highlights Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s economic integration and affirms the state’s status as a leading commercial and financial hub.

“We are very excited about this recognition. It reflects our resilience, strength, and commitment to the Greater Lagos vision under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda,” he said. “This will further support our drive to position Lagos as a global financial hub. Having recently hosted GITEX, the global tech expo, and preparing for Africa’s first-ever E1 electric boat race, Lagos continues to make history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work.”

The governor added that the nomination is also a testament to Lagos’ alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is reshaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory.

Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, described hosting the biennial event as a strategic achievement for Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa. She noted that the fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.

“Hosting IATF 2027 puts Lagos at the forefront of Africa’s trade future and reinforces our commitment to regional collaboration, investment, and innovation,” Ambrose said. “It aligns perfectly with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052. With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a diverse economy, Lagos is an ideal setting for shaping Africa’s trade future.”

She further explained that Lagos’ selection reflects confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos State’s preparedness to deliver a world-class event. Preparations, in partnership with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the AU, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will focus on infrastructure, logistics, security, and hospitality.

“As Africa builds toward an integrated, borderless trade environment, IATF 2027 in Lagos will be a landmark platform to unlock new markets, strengthen business ties, and drive sustainable growth,” she added.

Ambrose is currently leading a delegation of 20 SMEs, selected from 253 trained under the Lagos Export Readiness Programme, to the 2025 IATF in Algiers, where she also delivered the keynote address at the SME Pavilion for Africa and participated in the Nigeria Pavilion.