Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has lauded Prof. Benedict Oramah, the outgoing President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), for a decade of transformative leadership that advanced Africa’s economic integration and trade.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, Obasanjo described Oramah as a bold and visionary leader who championed Africa’s economic freedom.
“He demonstrates courage, vision, persistence, and performance. He delivers solutions for Africa and opens doors that hand over the keys of economic freedom to the next generation,” Obasanjo said.
As Chair of the IATF 2025 Advisory Board, Obasanjo highlighted the trade fair’s growing role in promoting intra-African commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He noted that in just three editions, the fair had generated more than $120 billion in trade and investment deals, while this year’s edition alone is expected to attract $44 billion.
Citing the $2.9 billion Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project in Tanzania—first conceived at the Cairo Fair in 2018—Obasanjo said the IATF had become “a symbol of Africa’s economic awakening,” connecting businesses, investors, and governments.
Organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Algiers event has drawn over 35,000 participants, including 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from 75 countries.
In his address, Prof. Oramah reflected on Afreximbank’s role in establishing the IATF as a lasting platform for continental trade.
“After four events and almost eight years, it is time to institutionalise the initiative,” he said, announcing that Harare, Zimbabwe, will host the permanent IATF headquarters.
He thanked Algeria for hosting the 2025 edition, noting that the turnout of over 30,000 visitors and buyers, alongside thousands of exhibitors, reflects the determination of African youth and businesses to transform economic independence from rhetoric into reality.
The 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair runs in Algiers until September 10.
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