First intra african trade fair opens
The first Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) was held in Cairo, Egypt from December 11 to 17, 2018. The fair was organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Union (AU) in collaboration with the Egyptian government.
The IATF was a major event aimed at promoting intra-African trade and economic integration. The fair brought together over 1,000 exhibitors from 45 African countries, as well as international organizations and companies, to showcase their products and services.
The fair featured a wide range of products and services, including:
- Agricultural products: such as foodstuffs, beverages, and agricultural machinery.
- Industrial products: such as textiles, leather goods, and machinery.
- Services: such as logistics, transportation, and financial services.
- Technology and innovation: including digital solutions, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.
The IATF also included a number of conferences, seminars, and workshops on topics such as:
- Intra-African trade and economic integration.
- Investment opportunities in Africa.
- Trade facilitation and logistics.
- Digital trade and e-commerce.
- Sustainable development and climate change.
The fair was attended by over 20,000 visitors, including government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond. The event was seen as a major step towards promoting intra-African trade and economic integration, and was hailed as a success by participants and organizers alike.
The second edition of the IATF was held in Abuja, Nigeria from November 11 to 17, 2019. The fair was even larger than the first edition, with over 1,200 exhibitors from 55 African countries and international organizations. The event was attended by over 30,000 visitors and featured a wide range of products and services, including agricultural products, industrial goods, services, and technology and innovation.
The IATF is an important platform for promoting intra-African trade and economic integration, and is expected to continue to play a key role in promoting economic development and growth in Africa.