The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is forecasting more than US$44 billion in new trade and investment deals at the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), scheduled for September 4–10 in Algiers, Algeria.

The event is expected to be the largest and most impactful edition to date, as Africa takes a bold step toward increasing intra-continental trade beyond the export of raw materials.

Over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 75 countries and upwards of 35,000 participants are expected at the IATF 2025, a flagship initiative aimed at driving value addition, business linkages, and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Afreximbank sees this edition of the Fair as a transformative opportunity to translate the AfCFTA framework into tangible business results for African countries and enterprises.

Speaking during the IATF2025 Ghana Roadshow held in Accra, Dr. Yemi Kale, Managing Director in charge of Research and Group Chief Economist at Afreximbank, described the Fair as a crucial tool in the realization of AfCFTA’s goals.

“We are targeting 2,000+ exhibitors from over 75 countries, 35,000+ participants, and over US$44 billion in new trade and investment deals,” Dr. Kale disclosed, emphasizing the scale and ambition behind the event.

According to him, the Fair will serve as a practical platform to move Africa’s trade patterns from traditional commodities to high-value goods and services, fostering innovation, industrial growth, and inter-African supply chains. “This is where policy meets business, where entrepreneurs connect with investors, and where the promise of a borderless Africa becomes real,” he added.

Ghana Invited to Lead, Not Just Attend

In his remarks, Dr. Kale made a direct call for Ghana to take a leading role in IATF 2025, not merely as a participant but as a strategic influencer.

“We are not just asking Ghana to attend—we are here to invite Ghana to lead,” he stated. “We want to see Ghanaian businesses exhibiting, Ghanaian provinces hosting pavilions, Ghanaian creatives performing, and Ghanaian entrepreneurs closing deals.”

The call to action underscores Ghana’s potential to leverage IATF 2025 to deepen its export base, promote its industrial sectors, and showcase its cultural and creative industries. With Ghana positioning itself as a gateway to West Africa and as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Afreximbank believes the country has both the stature and the capacity to set the tone for trade-led development on the continent.

Afreximbank reaffirmed its longstanding relationship with Ghana, describing the country as “an integral part” of its developmental mission. Dr. Kale emphasized the Bank’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s export-led growth and regional competitiveness through funding, partnerships, and capacity building.

“Ghana is a founding member state of Afreximbank, and since our inception, we have supported Ghanaian businesses across key sectors,” Dr. Kale noted. “We are committed to doing more to support Ghana’s export-led growth and continental competitiveness.”

This reaffirmation signals continued collaboration across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, finance, and logistics—areas that are central to Ghana’s transformation agenda under Vision 2030 and the Ghana Beyond Aid framework.

A Continental Shift Towards Industrialization

IATF 2025 arrives at a critical time when African economies are seeking new engines for growth amidst global economic uncertainty. The Fair is poised to be a dynamic venue for deal-making, knowledge exchange, and investment attraction.

With Afreximbank estimating over $44 billion in potential deals, the event reflects a growing appetite for intra-African trade as a driver of sustainable development. It also aligns with the broader continental agenda to increase the share of value-added goods in Africa’s exports and reduce dependency on external markets.

As preparations intensify, Afreximbank’s message is clear: African nations must seize the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and create. For Ghana, the path forward is not just to participate—but to lead from the front.