Cairo, Egypt – The third edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023) kicked off on Thursday in Egypt, with the theme “The AfCFTA Marketplace.” The fair is organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Secretariat.
IATF2023 provides a platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over $3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area. The fair is expected to attract 75 participating countries, 1600 business exhibitors, entrepreneurs, investors, financiers, and 35,000 buyers and visitors.
H.E. Ahmed Samir Saleh, Minister of Trade and Industry of Arab Republic of Egypt, officially opens the #IATF2023, at the Al-Manara, Cairo. A week of long-awaited networking and insightful conversations has begun! #Afreximbank pic.twitter.com/Ob0juM5hKY
— Afreximbank (@afreximbank) November 9, 2023Speaking at the opening ceremony, Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Eng. Ahmed Samir Saleh said that IATF 2023 is a unique opportunity to unite the African market and discover technological and craft innovations in various African countries. He also said that Egypt is committed to supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area and believes that IATF 2023 will be a turning point for the African continent.
As Afreximbank EVP, Kanayo Awani highlighted, the Creative African Nexus program is more than just showcasing African talents; it’s about shaping narratives, challenging stereotypes, and transforming lives through the power of creativity.
#CANEX #Afreximbank #IATF2023 pic.twitter.com/NweUrrH36X
— Intra-African Trade Fair (@iatf2023) November 9, 2023“IATF2023 is a testament not only to the commitment of Africans to economic integration but also to our collective determination to create a better today and a prosperous future for people" – Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of Nigeria. #IATF2023 #Afreximbank #Nigeria pic.twitter.com/8mBkE1Sn9r
— Intra-African Trade Fair (@iatf2023) November 9, 2023The Creative African Nexus program at IATF 2023 is showcasing African talent around the world and bridging the gap between local and international audiences. Boris Kodjoe, one of the program’s ambassadors, said that it is important to leverage the collective power of the creative industries in the new African Continental Free Trade Area environment. He also said that the program is committed to ensuring that African creative goods and services are exported globally, not just talent.
“We must recognize that we are a powerful ecosystem of stakeholders, including audiences, creators, distributors, and investors. Leveraging our collective power in this new African Continental Free Trade Area environment is imperative" – Boris Kodjoe
#IATF2023 #Afreximbank pic.twitter.com/ft8WJGgPqp
— Intra-African Trade Fair (@iatf2023) November 9, 2023The inaugural IATF 2018 held in Cairo saw deals worth $32 billion brokered, while the second edition in Durban in 2021 saw deals worth some $42 billion arranged. Participation at IATF 2023 provides potential opportunities to build new pipelines and develop businesses in non-traditional business sectors.
