Kaduna showcases investment potential at Intra-Africa trade fair in Algeria

Kaduna State has reaffirmed its status as one of Nigeria’s top investment destinations through its robust participation at the 2025 edition of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF), held in Algeria.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who led the state’s delegation, said Kaduna used the six-day fair to showcase its comparative advantages in mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. She emphasized that the event further positioned the state as the gateway for investment in Northern Nigeria, particularly through reforms that have created an investor-friendly environment across sectors.

Highlighting her participation in the 5th Africa Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AISNET) Investment Conference, themed “Local Power, Global Impact”, Dr. Balarabe noted that she underscored the Uba Sani administration’s focus on inclusive growth. According to her, the governor has prioritized youth and women empowerment, while also rolling out programs to support the poor, underserved, and marginalized communities.

“As chairperson of the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA), I can attest that IATF offered a unique platform to strengthen trade and investment links across Africa, leveraging opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the deputy governor said.

She explained that AfCFTA represents a single continental market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP exceeding $3.5 trillion, and noted that the fair was organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the AfCFTA Secretariat.

The Kaduna delegation included the Commissioner of Local Government, Alhaji Sadiq Mamman Lagos, and the Special Adviser on Investment Promotion, Malam Sabiu Sani. The team engaged in a series of strategic business-to-government (B2B) and government-to-government (G2G) meetings, aimed at attracting investors and forging stronger trade partnerships.

Dr. Balarabe stressed that Governor Uba Sani’s administration remains committed to consolidating Kaduna’s reputation as a hub for investment, innovation, and inclusive development, not only for the state but for the entire northern region of Nigeria.