Lagos govt targets $50bn trade, investment deals at 2027 African trade fair

The Lagos State Government says it is preparing businesses in the state to maximise opportunities at the 2027 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which is expected to generate $50 billion in trade and investment deals.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, said this at the closing ceremony of the 40th Lagos International Trade Fair in Lagos on Sunday, November 15, 2026.

Ambrose-Medebem said the state would host the IATF from between November 5 and November 11, 2027, with more than 100,000 visitors and 2,500 exhibitors expected from over 100 countries.

Ambrose-Medebem said the state was working to prepare local businesses to use the platform to connect with buyers, secure partnerships, and expand their presence across African markets.

The commissioner stressed the need for businesses to strengthen their production capacity, improve product quality and meet international standards to compete effectively under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

She said the Lagos State Government was committed to supporting businesses to move beyond local markets through improved access to finance, technology, standards and export opportunities.

According to her, the state, in partnership with Afreximbank and other organisations, has trained more than 2,000 Lagos-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in export readiness and market access.

Ambrose-Medebem said the initiative was aimed at equipping local businesses to compete in the continental market of about 1.4 billion people.

The commissioner said the ministry had also facilitated business-to-business matchmaking, supported MSMEs seeking new markets and showcased locally produced goods and services during the 10-day trade fair.

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She added that the Lagos State Pavilion provided opportunities for agribusiness innovators, fashion designers, manufacturers and creative professionals to connect with investors, buyers and export partners.

Ambrose-Medebem disclosed that the 40th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair attracted more than 50,000 participants, thousands of exhibitors and business delegations from over 20 countries.

Ambrose-Medebem commended the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for sustaining the fair over four decades, describing it as an important platform for connecting producers, investors and businesses with markets and partners.

The commissioner urged exhibitors to convert the business relationships established during the fair into orders, supply agreements, investment commitments and sustainable partnerships.

She also called on businesses to embrace technology, improve standards and increase local production to strengthen their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.