Algeria poised to fulfill its African ambition
ALGERIA: Algeria is gearing up to host the 4th Intra‑African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), set to take place from September 4th to 10th, 2025, transforming Algiers into the beating heart of African trade and investment.
Far beyond a conventional exhibition, this significant event carries vast symbolism: it embodies Africa’s collective ambition and Algeria’s proud role as a continental leader.
Organised in partnership with the African Export‑Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, IATF 2025 will open under the theme “Gateway to New Opportunities.” It targets strategic sectors such as agriculture, industry, energy, finance, research, health, transportation, and startups
Here, we expect over 2,000 exhibitors from some 140 countries, with upwards of 35,000 professional visitors descending upon Algiers to network, strike deals, and exploring new ventures
For Algeria, hosting IATF 2025 is much more than just a fair—it’s a defining diplomatic mission. The event will showcase the nation’s logistical capacity and organisational prowess under full mobilization of national infrastructure, logistics, protocol, customs facilitation, tourism, and communications.
Taking the lead, Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a committed Pan‑Africanist, reinforces the nation’s ambition to lead Africa’s economic integration, advancement, and diversification shifting away from over-reliance on hydrocarbons
This echoes Algeria’s enduring legacy of championing African unity and economic autonomy since independence and harking back to the era when the rallying cry “Africa for Africans” was first pronounced from Algiers
At its essence, IATF 2025 is a real-world embodiment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): a marketplace where businesses across the continent can engage directly in trade, innovation, and regional cooperation. With market access to over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding US$3.5 trillion, the fair opens the door to unprecedented opportunities.
The agenda includes an electrifying mix of exhibitions, trade and investment forums, creative industry summits (CANEX) featuring arts, fashion, sports, gastronomy, plus B2B and B2G matchmaking, youth startup showcases, innovation hubs, and diaspora-centric programming
How Tanzania, especially its youth, can tap into IATF 2025
Young Tanzanian entrepreneurs particularly those in tech, agritech, creative arts, and sustainable fashion should register to exhibit at the IATF’s youth startup side events. This is a chance to pitch directly to continental funders and mentors.
Sector-specific export pavilions
Small and medium-sized Tanzanian exporters in cocoa, coffee, processed foods, crafts, or eco-tourism can book exhibition space to showcase products to African buyers.
for trade and investment forums. Here they can meet investors, government officials, and potential partners for matchmaking and collaboration.
Creative industries participation via CANEX
Tanzanian musicians, filmmakers, fashion designers, and chefs should take part in the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) to showcase their cultural exports and spur creative business linkages.
Diaspora and cultural commerce
Tanzanian diaspora must attend Diaspora Day as both cultural ambassadors and business connectors bridging identities and encouraging investment, tourism, and trade links.
Learning and networking for youth
University students and researchers can engage through the Africa Research and Innovation Hub. Tanzanian universities and innovators should prepare exhibits or pitch solutions especially tech for agriculture, renewable energy, economic inclusion, or health.
Build soft power through tourism
Tanzania’s tourism boards and operators should be present to attract African tourists seeking new safari and cultural experiences. Tangible promotions and partnerships can result.
Online engagement via the virtual platform
Not everyone can travel to Algiers. Young entrepreneurs can still capture visibility by using the IATF Virtual Platform, which runs year-round and connects exhibitors, buyers, and partners digitally
Tanzanian enterprise support bodies like chambers of commerce, youth networks, and export promotion agencies should organize pre-event training, pitch clinics, and registration drives to maximize participation.
Broader market access
Tapping into the continental market opens gateways beyond the EU or Middle East Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, South Africa all becoming accessible buyers.
Access to investors, innovators, and funders can spark partnerships in agritech, clean energy, and manufacturing technology.
Cultural exchange and talent showcasing
Tanzanian creative industries (music, fashion, culinary arts) gain pan-African visibility—attractive to brand partnerships.
Enhancing regional trade experience
Participation offers Tanzanian agencies and businesses valuable insight into business facilitation, logistics innovation, and trade ecosystem best practices.
Youth empowerment and job creation
The event can kickstart new ventures especially among youth. Participation can yield contracts, grants, or collaborations that fuel employment and entrepreneurial momentum.
As Algiers prepares to ignite the African trade stage, Tanzania stands at a crossroads brimming with potential particularly through its passionate, innovative youth. IATF 2025 is not just another fair. It’s a launchpad for Pan-African business and a natural spotlight for Tanzania’s next generation.
By actively participating whether in person or digitally, Tanzania can increase exports, attract investment, foster startup success, and elevate its creative industries. Most importantly, Tanzanian youth and entrepreneurs can stake their place at the bold new table of Africa’s economic future. The invitation is wide open. Now, it is up to Tanzania to be there and lead.
