US$42.1 billion in trade and trade-related investment deals. It was a result of over 500 business deals concluded during trade and investment conferences, exchanges between businesses and governments, and other events such as the IATF Automotive Show, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme and the African Union’s Youth Start-Up programme.
Chairman of the IATF 2021 Advisory Council and Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, commended the organisers of the Trade Fair for the event’s outstanding performance. “Despite the uncertain environment arising from the COVID-19 pandemic situation, IATF 2021 attracted exhibitors from 59 countries, of which 46 were African countries,” he noted. “Buyers, sellers and investors came physically and virtually from across Africa and beyond to connect and exchange trade, investment and market information. We have effectively begun the process of building bridges for a successful AfCFTA, less than a year after the commencement of trade under this agreement.”
Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, was also among those who applauded the success of this year’s IATF, noting that it was a testament to the fact that intra-African trade was taking root under the platform of the AfCFTA.
“We are proud to be well on the way to consolidating an initiative that is already beginning to transform intra-African trade. IATF 2021 was enormously successful at all levels. The US$42.1 billion in trade and investment deals that were generated reflected the record participation, a well-thought-out platform, diversity and depth of goods and services showcased and a rich programme,” he said.
