20th Abuja International Trade Fair Opens with Call for Sustainable Economic Growth
Oru Leonard
The 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), has kicked off in Abuja, Nigeria, with a call for sustainable economic growth and development. The fair, themed “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” brings together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to discuss strategies for promoting responsible production, attracting investment, and encouraging environmental stewardship.
The Abuja International Trade Fair has grown from a modest local exhibition into Nigeria’s most influential multi-sectoral trade platform, hosting over 2,500 exhibitors and attracting more than 1.5 million visitors.
The fair introduces BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa), a flagship initiative celebrating African products, services, and creativity, featuring live performances, fashion shows, art exhibitions, and investment opportunities.
The fair includes the investiture of 12 National Policy Fellows, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to business and economic development.
The fair aims to promote sustainable consumption patterns, taxation, and incentives to encourage responsible investment and production in Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Indistry. Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jamil Ibrahim noted that the Abuja International Trade Fair is not just an exhibition — it is a call to action. Let us reform policies to attract sustainable investment, mobilize for AfCFTA, and unite behind a Nigeria-first agenda that drives us toward a $1 trillion economy”, he stated.
Ibrahim disclosed that Nigeria will host the IATF in Lagos in 2027, providing an opportunity to showcase industries, attract investments, and cement Nigeria’s role as Africa’s gateway economy, adding that NACCIMA is evolving into a globally connected institution, linking Nigerian businesses to partners across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Speaking earlier, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), said, “Today is not just the opening of another fair; it is the celebration of a historic milestone, 20 years of consistent and commitment to trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy in Nigeria and Africa.”
The 20th AITF is expected to generate significant economic activity, with over 100,000 participants and exhibitions spanning trade, industry, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and creative industries.
