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It is this Thursday that the largest African economic event opens, which brings together a large number of participants as well as senior officials from several countries on the continent. Large expectations are displayed for this 4th edition of the intra-African trade fair (IATF 2025) which aims to stimulate trade and investment at the continental level. An edition with major ambitions which should end with the signing of important agreements whose value would exceed $ 44 billion.
Algiers will be from September 4 to 10 the economic capital of Africa. Under the theme “A bridge towards new opportunities”, this 4th edition is marked by the participation of more than 2,000 exhibitors and delegations from 140 countries, and should accommodate more than 35,000 professional visitors.
In addition to the large number of participants, it is the objectives set for the IATF 2025 that make it a special edition. Important trade agreements will have to be signed between countries, able to boost intra-African trade which remains below the existing potential. African countries are therefore called upon to “trade” with each other, especially since the majority of these countries have trade relations with other non -African countries. The situation should therefore be changed, in particular thanks to the implementation of the African continental free trade area (ZLECAF).
Although intra-African trade has recorded an advance with the entry into force of the ZLECAF, they are still far from the objectives. According to the acting director of monitoring and support for exports to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Promotion of Exports, Abdellatih El-Houari, trade between African countries reached $ 170 billion in 2024. “We hope to see this volume increase during this IATF,” said this official in his declaration to the Algerian radio, Intra-African trade at 35 %.
Hoist trade
As for Algeria, many is expected from this event. With a diversity and quality of proven products, Algeria wants to position itself on the African market, which is “its natural market”. The responsible for monitoring and supporting exports said that Algeria exported in 2024 the equivalent of 11 % of the total of its exports to countries on the African continent.
The volume of trade has established $ 5 billion, Algeria exported the equivalent of $ 2.6 billion, including $ 700 million outside hydrocarbons, he said. 50 % of these exports are oriented towards the West African market, reported this official, who says that the objective is to place Algerian products at the level of other markets.
Many agreements will be signed on the occasion of the IATF, according to the same official, who ensures that no less than 25 partnerships will be concluded, in addition to the reactivation of business advice with several African countries as well as the creation and reactivation of mixed chambers of commerce.
The IATF 2025 is also distinguished by the participation of many delegations from several countries. The first official of the African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank, who is the initiator of the IATF), Oramah Benedict, arrived in Algiers yesterday and inquired about the last preparations for the continental demonstration, during a visit to the Palais des Expositions des Pins Maritime at Safex.
He thus learned of the various organizational and logistical means mobilized for the success of this continental economic meeting. This official as well as the new elected president of the African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank), George Elombi, were welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Trade and the Promotion of Exports, Kamel Rezig, who also received many African officials and personalities from the continent, like the President of the Arab Republic Sahrawi Democratic, Brahim Ghali, From Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou.
He also welcomed the vice-president of the Republic of Namibia, Lucia Witbooi, the Minister of State, Minister of Commerce, Supply and Consumption of the Congo Republic, the Minister of State to the Cooperatives of the Republic of Uganda, as well as the Chadian Minister of Commerce and Industry.
The Minister of Finance and Planning and Economic Development of Uganda as well as the Minister of Industry and Trade in Senegal have also been received by the Minister of Foreign Trade, who continued to welcome, throughout the day, the distinguished guests at the African party that Algeria will house for a week.