Lyn Frans
The 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) officially opened today at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers, bringing together African heads of state, government officials, and business leaders under the theme “Gateway to New Opportunities.
” The event, running through September 10, aims to strengthen intra-African trade and accelerate economic integration across the continent.
A highlight of the opening ceremony was a high-level presidential debate session on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), chaired by Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Leaders from Libya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Mozambique, Chad, Kenya, Namibia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Burundi, and Niger joined the session to discuss strategies for revitalizing Africa’s integration and transforming the continent into a competitive economic powerhouse.
President Tebboune emphasized the need for Africa to leverage its resources, human potential, and strategic partnerships to ensure sustainable growth. “IATF 2025 is more than an exhibition; it is a platform for collective reflection on Africa’s economic future and a catalyst for actionable strategies,” he said.
Highlighting Algeria’s long-standing role in supporting African development, Tebboune noted that since independence, over 65,000 African professionals have been trained in Algerian universities across diverse fields, from sciences to technology. He called for renewed solidarity among African nations to foster unity, economic resilience, and continental prosperity.
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While the IATF showcases African products and business opportunities, experts say its greater significance lies in promoting policy coordination, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. Projects such as direct air links between African capitals, enhanced maritime trade routes, and digital infrastructure are critical for turning the AfCFTA into a genuine engine of sustainable development.
The fair’s discussions signal a broader continental ambition: to shift Africa from dependence on external markets to a self-reliant, interconnected economic hub capable of shaping its global destiny. By connecting policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs, IATF 2025 aims to transform trade into a driving force for inclusive growth and innovation.
