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Tag: IATF

  • Ogun wins sustainability award at IATF 2025, Algiers

    Ogun wins sustainability award at IATF 2025, Algiers

    Ogun State yesterday  emerged as the winner of the Most Sustainable Going Green Stand award at the Intra African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 event in Algiers, Algeria.

    According to the organisers, the award is in recognition of Ogun State’s exceptional contribution to the  2025 IATF  held in Algiers, Algeria between September 4 and 10 September 10.

    The extraordinary exhibition was organised by the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission and the AfCTA Secretariat and hosted by the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria.

    The plaque indicating Ogun State’s success was signed by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigerian and Chairman of the IATF 2025 Advisory Council.

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    It will be recalled that while participating in a high-level panel session titled “Investment Showcase: Unveiling Opportunities from Select African & Caribbean Sub-Sovereigns” at the IATF 2025, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, had shown the international community that Ogun State is actively breaking trade barriers through bold initiatives designed to attract investment and deepen trade.

    Reaffirming Ogun State’s position as Nigeria’s leading investment destination, Governor Abiodun had highlighted the pivotal role of subnationals in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    He noted that despite Africa’s enormous potential, intra-continental trade still accounts for only about 15 percent of total trade, largely due to weak infrastructure, cumbersome regulations, and fragmented value chains.

    According to him, Ogun State’s blueprint for economic transformation includes multi-modal infrastructure development: the Gateway International Cargo Airport, Ijebu-Ode and Kajola Dry Ports, over 1,200 kilometres of upgraded roads, and expanded gas reticulation networks.

    The blueprint, he said, also includes economic development clusters and free trade zones, including the Remo Economic Development Cluster, anchored by the newly licensed Gateway International Airport; the Ijebu Economic Development Cluster with proximity to the Dangote Refinery and Agro-Allied Industries; the Agbara Industrial Cluster; the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone; and several other hubs designed to support co-location, shared utilities, and value-chain optimisation.

  • ‘Hosting IATF shows Lagos’ strength as economic hub’

    ‘Hosting IATF shows Lagos’ strength as economic hub’

    Lagos State will host the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) – the continent’s premier trade and investment event.

    The nomination was done by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with African Union and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reacting to the nomination in Algiers, Algeria, at the weekend, said the choice of Lagos underscored Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s economic integration and the state’s status as a major commercial and financial hub.

    He said: “We are excited about the choice of Lagos for the 2027 edition of this important fair. But we are not surprised because it reflects our resilience, strength and commitment to the Greater Lagos journey as illustrated by our T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda. We are striving towards making Lagos a global financial hub and this will boost our efforts.

    “We have just successfully hosted GITEX, the global tech expo and, in a few days, we will be hosting the spectacular E1 electric boat race, the first in Africa, which will put us in the company of leading cities such as Monaco, Jeddah and others. We keep making history. It is the Spirit of Lagos at work.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also described the nomination as a vivid acknowledgment of the state’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has impacted Nigeria’s economy positively.

    “It is a lot of work. I assure all would-be participants that we will have a great outing here in Africa’s most populous city, the continent’s second largest city economy. Lagos is indeed proud of this honour. On behalf of the government and the great people of Lagos, I thank the organisers for bestowing this honour on us,” he said.

    Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada-Ambrose, noted that the IATF, held every two years, was to promote intra-African trade and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA. She described the nomination as a proud moment for Lagos and for Nigeria.

    “The opportunity is a strategic milestone for Nigeria and West Africa in boosting continental trade integration.

    “Hosting the IATF 2027 positions us at the forefront of Africa’s trade future, and reaffirms our commitment to fostering regional collaboration, investment and innovation.

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    It is particularly in line with the Lagos State Development Plan 2052 being implemented by the Governor Sanwo-Olu administration. We are ready to welcome Africa and the world to our vibrant city.

    “With a population of over 23 million, strategic coastal access, and a diverse, entrepreneurial economy, Lagos offers the ideal setting for trade, dialogue and business partnerships that will shape the future of Africa. The fair is expected to attract over 1,600 exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and generate billions of dollars in trade and investment deals.”

    The commissioner listed key highlights of Lagos’ nomination to include strategic economic position – Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, with Lagos as its economic nerve centre; gateway to West Africa – the city offers unmatched access to West African markets, with a rapidly modernising infrastructure and international connectivity; and commitment to AfCFTA – hosting the IATF 2027 will accelerate Nigeria’s efforts in deepening intra-African trade and positioning local industries for continental competitiveness.

    Mrs. Bada-Ambrose also affirmed that the choice of Lagos reflected Africa’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and Lagos State’s readiness to deliver an impactful event that would leave a legacy beyond 2027.

    “Lagos State Government, in partnership with the Federal Government, Afreximbank, the African Union (AU), and the AfCFTA Secretariat, will begin preparations to deliver a world-class trade fair, with infrastructure development, logistics, security and hospitality among top priorities.

    “As Africa continues to build towards an integrated, borderless trade environment, IATF 2027 in Lagos will serve as a defining platform to unlock new markets, strengthen business ties, and drive sustainable growth across the continent,” she added.

    Mrs. Bada-Ambrose is leading the first delegation of 20 of the 253 SMEs trained under the Lagos State Export Readiness Programme (LASERP), approved by Governor Sanwo-Olu, to this year’s edition of IATF in Algiers.