The 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) opened in Algiers on September 4, 2025, bringing together 11 African heads of state and government in a high-profile gathering aimed at strengthening economic integration across the continent.
The event, running until September 10, positions Algeria as a central hub for promoting intra-African trade and attracting new investment flows.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed leaders including Daniel Chapo of Mozambique, Kaïs Saïed of Tunisia, Mohamed Younes El-Menfi of Libya, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania, Brahim Ghali of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, and Mahamat Idriss Déby of Chad.
Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the fair as a platform for fostering regional economic cooperation.
Vice-presidents and government representatives also attended, including Kithure Kindiki of Kenya, Lucia Witbooi of Namibia, Nestor Ntahontuye of Burundi, and Dickon Mitchell of Grenada.
Former presidents Mahamadou Issoufou and Olusegun Obasanjo contributed institutional experience, giving the opening ceremony both historical and political weight.
The IATF 2025, themed “Bridge to New Opportunities,” aims to strengthen intra-African trade, boost investment, and consolidate regional production sectors. Algeria seeks to use the platform not only to host discussions but also to act as a catalyst for economic independence, reducing reliance on external imports while enhancing continental production networks.
Since its launch, the IATF has been seen as one of the few African platforms allowing countries to showcase their economic potential internally. For Algeria, hosting the fair demonstrates its capacity to mediate between different regions of the continent and facilitate trade partnerships across borders.
The fair also reflects a broader shift in African economic strategy. Rather than focusing primarily on external markets, countries are increasingly turning to Africa’s own consumer base, which already exceeds one billion people. By emphasizing complementarity and regional self-reliance, the IATF seeks to transform intra-African trade from a fragmented effort into a structured, growth-oriented strategy.
Over the next week, the fair will host meetings, workshops, and signing ceremonies for economic agreements, reinforcing the continent’s ambition to integrate markets and promote sustainable development.
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