INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE : Zimbabwe Secures the Headquarters of the New IATF Entity

(LVDE) – This initiative, which establishes the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) as an independent institution with its headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe, aims to boost the continent’s economic integration and aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

Zimbabwe has been selected to host the headquarters of the Intra-African Trade Fair Company (IATFco), marking a decisive step in Africa’s economic integration. The announcement, made at the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, formalizes the transformation of the IATF into an independent and sustainable institution. The objective of this initiative is to make the fair permanent, scalable, and fully aligned with the goals of the AfCFTA.

This decision follows a rigorous selection process in which Zimbabwe prevailed over several other contenders, including Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and Chair of the IATF Advisory Council, emphasized that Zimbabwe was chosen because of its modern infrastructure, efficient air connectivity, accommodation capacity, and land available for future expansion.

Obasanjo stated: “This selection opens a new chapter for the IATF, which continues to catalyze the growth of intra-African trade. It is a symbol of Africa’s economic awakening, where trade and investment unite us across all regions of the continent.”

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), also expressed his support, congratulating the Zimbabwean government while calling for the rapid establishment of the IATF as an independent organization. He announced that an initial capitalization of USD 28 million had been approved to support the new entity.

“This is a landmark moment for the IATF. It is essential that African governments, businesses, and financial institutions support this initiative from the outset,” he added, stressing the importance of collective backing to ensure the organization’s long-term viability.

The Intra-African Trade Fair is a strategic platform enabling businesses to showcase their products and services, explore opportunities, and exchange information. It leverages the enormous potential of the AfCFTA single market, which brings together more than 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over USD 3.5 trillion. IATF2025, held from September 4 to 10, attracted more than 112,000 visitors from 132 countries. During the event, trade and investment agreements worth a total of USD 48.3 billion were signed, reflecting optimism and the continent’s economic potential.

The establishment of IATFco in Harare marks a crucial step for Africa, providing a solid institutional framework to support intra-African trade. By consolidating its role as the continent’s main trade hub, Zimbabwe positions itself as a key player in the dynamics of regional growth. This initiative has the potential to transform Africa’s trade landscape, fostering smoother exchanges and deeper economic integration—both essential for the continent’s sustainable development. By strengthening commercial ties among African nations, the IATF seeks to bring to life the vision of a united and prosperous Africa.

Esther  Grace