**Nigeria Takes the Reins as Host of Intra-African Trade Fair 2027** The Federal Republic of Nigeria has signed the host agreement for the fifth Intra-African Trade Fair 2027 (IATF2027), marking a significant milestone in the country's bid to promote intra-African trade and economic integration. The agreement was signed in Lagos, the designated host city, in partnership with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission, and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. The signing ceremony reinforced Nigeria's central role in advancing intra-African trade and economic integration across the continent. The agreement follows the highly successful fourth edition of the IATF, which was hosted by Algeria and recorded **US$49.94 billion** in trade and investment deals. Nigeria will take over the baton from Algeria, aiming to surpass the previous edition's achievements. Scheduled to take place from November 5 – 11, 2027, IATF2027 is targeting **over US$50 billion** in trade and investment deals, **100,000 visitors**, **2,500 exhibitors**, and participation from more than **100 countries**. The Fair will be held under the theme "**Global Africa, Smart Trade- From Market Access to Market Power**," featuring a diverse program of events, including trade exhibitions, the AfCFTA-focused trade and investment forum, and the Global Africa Day to strengthen ties with Africa's diaspora. The IATF has cumulatively generated **over US$167 billion** in trade and investment deals and welcomed more than **180,000 visitors** from **132 countries** in its four editions since 2018. This strategic partnership creates a uniquely African framework that blends policy direction, financial backing, and trade facilitation, setting it apart in both structure and purpose. Delivering his opening remarks, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2027 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, underscored the strategic importance of the Fair in shaping Africa's economic sovereignty. "The signing of this host agreement marks a momentous milestone for Nigeria and for the continent. Bringing IATF2027 to Lagos is historically significant, as this city hosted the Lagos Plan of Action adopted in 1980, which championed Africa's industrialisation and economic self-sufficiency. We have to work hard to keep moving towards the Africa we want. I am confident that IATF2027 will surpass all previous editions in both scope and impact as we advance our shared goal for a unified African marketplace under the AfCFTA," he remarked. Commenting on Nigeria's expanding footprint in intra-African commerce, H.E. Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted the country's commitment to promoting trade and investment opportunities across the continent.