The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in separate press statements during the weekend have applauded the selection of Lagos as the host city for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2027 by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
The Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said that the hosting of the IATF 2027 presented a historic opportunity for Nigeria that would expand the country’s export potential, attract both foreign and local investment, and create significant opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs”
Almona said: “In addition, the fair will stimulate growth across tourism, hospitality, and allied industries. Beyond commerce, it will spotlight Lagos and Nigeria as Africa’s economic powerhouse while reinforcing our leadership in the AfCFTA and the Intra-African Trade growth agenda.”
She added: “As the host city chamber, LCCI will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver a world-class event. We will mobilise the business community, facilitate investment and policy dialogues, drive advocacy and awareness, and strengthen private sector participation to ensure that Nigerian enterprises fully maximise this historic opportunity.”
She also disclosed that the LCCI is already supporting about 20 export-focused SMEs currently participating in IATF 2025 in Algiers, Algeria, in partnership with Afreximbank.
The LCCI also said that it would leverage on its nearly 40 years of experience in organising international trade fairs in Lagos to contribute its expertise to the successful planning and delivery of IATF 2027.
“This landmark decision reaffirms Nigeria’s central role in Africa’s trade integration agenda. The LCCI affirms its commitment to ensuring that Nigerian businesses, particularly SMEs maximise the opportunities that this event will bring.
“The LCCI congratulates the Federal Government of Nigeria on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to working with all stakeholders to deliver an inclusive and impactful IATF 2027 in Lagos,” Almona said.
Speaking in the same vein, the NACCIMA Secretariat also congratulated the federal government and the FMITI on the announcement by Afreximbank that granted Nigeria the hosting rights for IATF 2027 in Lagos.
“This landmark development is both a national honour and a continental responsibility, reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoting sustainable economic growth across Africa.
“ The hosting of IATF 2027 in Lagos will create an unparalleled platform for Nigerian businesses, particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their products, services and innovations to African and global markets.
“It will also provide unique opportunities for investors, both domestic and international, to explore the vast potentials of Nigeria’s economy across key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, creative industries, logistics and financial services,” NACCIMA said.
It also said that the hosting of the IATF in Nigeria would strengthen the visibility and competitiveness of Nigerian enterprises in the African market; expand access to trade finance, investment capital, cross-border partnerships for MSMEs, job creation and value chain development across priority sectors of the economy.
NACCIMA added that the event would also enhance the positioning of Lagos as a gateway city for trade, investment and innovation in Africa.
It also said that it is mobilising to ensure active participation of the private sector and maximisation of accruable benefits of the IATF 2027 for Nigeria businesses.
Dike Onwuamaeze
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