The 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF-2025), set to take place from September 4 to 10 in Algiers, is emerging as a pivotal platform aimed at advancing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) towards tangible outcomes, according to the African Business Roundtable.
In an interview with the Algerian news agency APS, Samuel Ayodele, the Executive Secretary and Director of Operations of the pan-African organization headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this event as an opportunity to implement effective measures regarding tariff liberalization and the harmonization of rules of origin, which are essential for the efficient implementation of the AfCFTA agreement.
He noted that the agreements and contracts signed during the event would facilitate greater trade fluidity within the framework of the agreement, highlighting that the IATF will also act as a tool for policy coordination and standard unification.
Ayodele is confident that mobilizing investments for industrial projects and infrastructure aligned with the AfCFTA agreement will accelerate trade liberalization efforts and support the development of African supply chains, thereby reducing dependence on external markets.
The IATF will also create opportunities for partnerships between business leaders and policymakers, providing mechanisms to address both tariff and non-tariff barriers. Additionally, it will promote a unified customs system and digital payment platforms while offering small and medium-sized enterprises access to regional markets.
Regarding Algeria’s role as the host of this event, Ayodele remarked that it reflects the country’s ambition to establish itself as a key hub for African economic integration and a “federative force” working to unite African stakeholders and stimulate initiatives related to the AfCFTA.
He underscored Algeria’s strategic geographic position at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and the Mediterranean Basin, which enables it to serve as a vital conduit for regional trade and investment flows.
According to him, organizing the IATF in Algeria demonstrates the nation’s commitment to facilitating trade, dismantling non-tariff barriers, and enhancing the business climate in line with continental economic integration efforts.
Peter Mutakwi, the Regional Director and Coordinator of the Roundtable for Southern African countries, pointed out that the event coincides with a growing continental momentum to increase African trade and reduce reliance on external markets. He commended Algeria’s adherence to the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), reaffirming its strong commitment to the AfCFTA agenda.
In an interview with APS, Mutakwi stressed that the IATF acts as a significant catalyst for intra-African trade, providing both physical and digital platforms to connect economic actors, finalize agreements, and exchange information, while enabling exhibitors to engage with a single market of nearly 1.4 billion people.
Highlighting the significance of the trade and investment agreements set to be signed during the event, he recalled the importance of scheduled conferences and forums focused on discussing solutions to non-tariff barriers and logistical challenges.
He also emphasized that promoting goods and services produced in Africa will enhance confidence in local capabilities and foster reliance on continental production. Thus, the exhibition acts as a “tangible space” that turns the legal agreements of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into commercial reality.
As part of this event, specialized activities will be organized, including the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) and the African Auto Show, which will highlight key sectors essential for industrialization and the development of value chains—fundamental objectives of the AfCFTA, Mutakwi added.
The head of the African Business Roundtable concluded that by hosting this edition, Algeria is “renewing its commitment to African development and positioning itself as a key player in the continent’s economic future.” He reaffirmed the organization’s support for this event by mobilizing the private sector and encouraging active participation from African entrepreneurs.
