African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Thursday underlined the importance of the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), inaugurated in Algiers, stressing that the event comes at “a timely moment.”
In remarks delivered on his behalf by AU Commission Deputy Chairperson Malika Salma Haddadi, Youssouf described the trade fair as “strategic,” noting that it addresses the measures Africa must take today, including innovation, added value, and industrialization, so the continent does not remain merely a raw material exporter but becomes the architect of industries that ensure prosperity. He recalled that the fair has grown into an investment marketplace, with commitments rising from $32 billion at its 2018 launch to $42 billion despite the pandemic, and stressed that the Algiers edition is even more promising. Each edition, he added, has brought the continent closer to the aspirations of the AU’s Agenda 2063: “an integrated, connected, and prosperous Africa.”
Haddadi emphasized that the event reflects Algeria’s role as “a beacon of African unity and a driver of economic integration among AU member states.” She underlined Algeria’s position as Africa’s gateway, hosting this major event as a sign of its constant commitment to African unity, stronger economic ties, and closer cooperation among nations and peoples of the continent. The AU Commission, she concluded, deeply values its partnership with Algeria and other organizers in making this edition a success.
