Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, and several others push for enhanced commercial links within Africa

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other key figures from the public and private sectors, has emphasized the need for stronger trade ties within Africa, as Lagos prepares to host the 2027 Intra-Africa Trade Fair, a pivotal event aimed at boosting trade, investment, and industrial collaboration across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

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The hosting agreement for the event was formally signed in Lagos on Monday, bringing together prominent African leaders, policymakers, and business executives who view the fair as a vital platform for deepening economic integration and unlocking Africa's vast trade potential.

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Notable dignitaries in attendance at the signing ceremony included Obasanjo, Governor Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria's Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, and President of African Export-Import Bank George Elombi, as well as Francisca Tatchoup Belobe of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat.

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Obasanjo highlighted the historical significance of hosting the trade fair in Lagos, recalling the city's role in the signing of the Lagos Plan of Action, which sought to strengthen Africa's economic independence and reduce reliance on raw material exports.

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According to Obasanjo, initiatives like the Intra-Africa Trade Fair are crucial for elevating Africa's standards and achievements as the continent advances towards its development aspirations, stressing that "Africa is one, and we must work hard to foster continental integration within a unified marketplace."

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Obasanjo expressed confidence that the 2027 edition of the trade fair would surpass previous editions in terms of participation and the value of trade deals, while also urging organizers to plan adequately for climate and weather contingencies.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as a defining moment for accelerating intra-African commerce and investment, stating that "as we look forward to welcoming the continent to Lagos, be rest assured that IATF 2027 will mark a defining moment in accelerating and transforming intra-African trade and investment."

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Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos aims not only to surpass the transaction levels recorded at previous editions of the fair but also to create a marketplace that fosters ideas, partnerships, capital flows, and skills exchange.

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Francisca Tatchoup Belobe noted that the AfCFTA represents one of Africa's most ambitious economic integration initiatives, but its success would depend largely on the ability of African businesses to connect trade and build regional value chains.

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Belobe emphasized that the Intra-Africa Trade Fair has established itself as Africa's premier marketplace for trade and investment, providing a space where African supply meets African demand and where businesses can discover new markets and partnerships.

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She also highlighted that the fair would expand opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises, women entrepreneurs, and youth innovators across the continent.

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The 2027 Intra-Africa Trade Fair is scheduled for February 2027 and is expected to attract thousands of participants from across Africa and the diaspora, including manufacturers, exporters, investors, and policymakers.