IATF2025 breaks records with $48.3B deals, 112,000 participants
ALGIERS, Algeria — The 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) closed in Algiers with record-breaking achievements, including 48.3 billion US dollas in trade and investment deals, nearly 1,000 buyers, and more than 112,000 participants, making it the largest edition in the event’s history.
Presenting the final “report card,” Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe, Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion at Afreximbank, said IATF2025 had surpassed every target set by organizers.
“Some of you remember receiving a report card in school. This is one of those moments where we look back at how we performed,” he told delegates.
Participation from heads of state and government reached 20, compared to just 8 in 2023. Exhibitors rose to 2,148, exceeding the 2,000 target. “Again, we have exceeded expectations,” Zanamwe said.
“Our target was 40 African countries, but we had 49. On top of that, 132 countries participated overall — this is another record.”
The fair also introduced nine “special days,” more than double the initial plan, spotlighting Algeria, Dangote, Global Africa Day, and others.
The highlight, Zanamwe noted, was dealmaking. “When the Advisory Council chaired by President Obasanjo approved a 44 billion US dollars target, some of us were not sure we would reach it.
Today, I am pleased to confirm that we achieved 48.3 billion US dollars. Algeria alone accounted for 11.4 billion US dollars in signed contracts, with another 11.6 billion US dollars in commitments,” he said.
Attendance soared far beyond projections. “We targeted 35,000 participants,” Zanamwe said.
“Instead, Algeria mobilized 112,000 people. This will go down in history as the best and biggest IATF ever. Our founding fathers would be proud.”
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Former Nigerian president and IATF Advisory Council chair Olusegun Obasanjo praised the success. “We gather here today with a sense of accomplishment and great satisfaction. IATF2025 has exceeded all expectations,” he said.
“From exhibitions to panel discussions, it has been a week of vibrant exchanges, dynamic partnerships, and a shared vision for a prosperous Africa.”
He paid tribute to Algeria’s leadership. “Your meticulous attention to detail ensured success. You wished this to be the largest and the best, and Mr. President, we have surpassed that goal,” Obasanjo told Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
With trade deals, record attendance, and expanded participation, officials declared IATF2025 the most successful edition yet, setting the stage for even greater ambitions as the continent pushes toward Agenda 2063.
