Obasanjo Urges Lasting Partnerships as IATF Closes with $48.3bn Deals

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on African leaders and businesses to transform the relationships built at the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) into lasting partnerships capable of driving sustainable development across the continent.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the weeklong fair in Algiers, Algeria, Obasanjo described the event as a catalyst for deeper integration, cooperation, and economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“The real success of IATF lies not just in the deals signed but in how we sustain these connections to deliver industrialisation, digital transformation, and cross-border trade,” he said.

The fourth edition of IATF closed with $48.3 billion worth of trade and investment deals, a record achievement hailed by Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah, as a milestone in Africa’s trade history. Since its inception in 2018, the fair has evolved into a powerful platform addressing long-standing trade barriers on the continent, Oramah noted.

Also reflecting on the fair’s impact, former Afreximbank President, Jean-Louis Ekra, urged African stakeholders to ensure that commitments are translated into impactful projects, particularly those supporting young entrepreneurs, SMEs, and women-led businesses.

This year’s edition attracted 2,148 exhibitors surpassing its 2,000 target, 20 Heads of State, and participants from all 55 African Union member countries, alongside delegates from 132 nations worldwide.

Nigeria and Ogun State emerged as major highlights of the fair. Nigeria won the award for “Best Stand for Doing Business and Networking,” while Ogun State received recognition for “Eco-Friendly Design and Commitment to Sustainability.” The awards underscored Nigeria’s growing influence as a trade hub and Ogun’s rising profile as a champion of green industrial practices.

Obasanjo commended Afreximbank’s leadership, the Algerian government, the AU Commission, and the AfCFTA Secretariat for their roles in shaping a shared vision for Africa’s economic future. He stressed that the continent’s prosperity depended on unity, collaboration, and a deliberate effort to turn shared ideas into collective action.