Sanwo-Olu Applauds Lagos’ Selection to Host 2027 Intra-Africa Trade Fair

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

The announcement was made by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union (AU), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat at the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers, according to a statement on Monday by Mr. Adewale Akodu, spokesperson for the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (MCCTI).

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

The IATF, held biennially, is Africa’s premier trade and investment platform, designed to boost intra-African commerce and accelerate the implementation of AfCFTA.

Responding to the announcement, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said Lagos’ selection underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s standing as a leading commercial hub.

“We are very excited about the choice of Lagos for the 2027 edition of this important fair. It reflects our resilience, our strength, and our commitment to the Greater Lagos journey, as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. This will further boost our ambition to make Lagos a global financial hub,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ recent track record of hosting global events, including GITEX, the international technology expo, and the upcoming E1 electric boat race — the first of its kind in Africa.

He described the nomination as both a recognition of Lagos’ economic dynamism and an alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Lagos is proud of this honour, and we assure participants of a world-class experience in Africa’s most populous city and second-largest economy,” he said.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, called the nomination a “strategic milestone” for Lagos, Nigeria, and West Africa.

She said the 2027 fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals, reinforcing Lagos’ place at the forefront of continental trade integration.

“Hosting IATF 2027 positions us to drive regional collaboration, investment, and innovation, in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052. With our population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal platform for trade and business partnerships that will shape Africa’s future,” Ambrose said.

She added that the nomination reflects Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos’ readiness to host a landmark event that will leave a legacy beyond 2027. Preparations, she said, will prioritise infrastructure, logistics, security, and hospitality.

Ambrose is currently leading Lagos’ first delegation of 20 SMEs — selected from 253 trained under the state’s Export Readiness Programme (LASERP) — to the ongoing IATF 2025 in Algiers, where she also delivered the keynote address at the SME Pavilion for Africa.