ACCI Unveils 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, Targets 100,000 Participants
Oru Leonard
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), has unveiled plans for the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), with organisers projecting participation by more than 100,000 visitors and over 500 exhibitors from Nigeria and across the globe.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the 1st Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of the 21st AITF Organising Committee, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, announced that the trade fair will take place from September 25 to October 6, 2026.
He said the 2026 edition, themed “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” is designed to address prevailing economic challenges while promoting innovation, investment opportunities, policy dialogue and strategic partnerships.
According to Adesugba, the fair will showcase more than 10,000 products and services and provide a platform for Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements, investment forums and exhibitions from emerging sectors including fintech, digital payments, taxation technology and sustainable transportation.
He also unveiled new features for the event, including the maiden Miss AITF 2026 Beauty Pageant and the BABAFEST AITF Weekend (Buy Africa, Build Africa Festival), aimed at promoting Africa’s creative economy, encouraging innovation and expanding stakeholder participation.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, described the Abuja International Trade Fair as one of Nigeria’s leading trade and investment platforms.
Jideani reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the private sector, improving the ease of doing business and promoting sustainable economic growth. He noted that the 2026 edition has been carefully structured to provide practical business solutions, encourage innovation and deepen collaboration among businesses, government institutions and development partners.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), Dr. Johnson Anene, highlighted the crucial role of the media in ensuring the success of the fair. He urged journalists and media organisations to sustain robust publicity for the event, stressing that increased awareness would attract more exhibitors, investors and visitors, thereby boosting commercial activities in the Federal Capital Territory and contributing to national economic growth.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Executive Director of the Abuja Trade Centre, Mr. Ezekwesili Nnaemeka, disclosed that preparations for the fair were progressing smoothly, with more than 75 per cent of indoor exhibition spaces already booked.
He expressed confidence that the introduction of innovative attractions and the level of preparation would make the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair one of the most successful editions in the event’s history.
The Chamber renewed its invitation to exhibitors, sponsors, investors, diplomatic missions, government agencies, development organisations and members of the public to participate in the fair, describing it as a strategic platform for driving business growth, promoting investment and strengthening economic resilience.
