Hosting IATF in Lagos will attract both investments

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI has said the selection of Lagos as the host city for the intra Africa Traded fair (IATF) 2027 will expand the country’s export potential, attract both foreign and local investment.

Director General of the LCCI, Dr Chinyere Almona who disclosed this in a statement said that such hosting will create significant opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Commending the African Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment for selecting Lagos, she said, the Fair will stimulate growth across tourism, hospitality, and allied industries. Beyond commerce, she said the fair would spotlight Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse while reinforcing our leadership in the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade growth agenda.

She said already, in partnership with AFREXIM Bank, the LCCI is supporting about 20 export-focused SMEs currently participating in IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.

As the host city chamber, she said LCCI will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver a world-class event. We will mobilize the business community, facilitate investment and policy dialogues, drive advocacy and awareness, and strengthen private sector participation to ensure that Nigerian enterprises fully maximize this historic opportunity.

With nearly 40 years of experience in organizing international trade fairs in Lagos, Africa’s fourth largest economy, LCCI looks forward to contributing its expertise to the successful planning and delivery of IATF 2027.

This landmark decision reaffirms Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s trade integration agenda. The LCCI affirms its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs maximise the opportunities that this event will bring.

The LCCI congratulates the Federal Government of Nigeria on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver an inclusive and impactful IATF 2027 in Lagos.