…unveils BABA FEST to boost Intra-African trade
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has unveiled plans for the 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), projecting over 100,000 participants and trade deals running into billions of naira.
Speaking on behalf of Emeka Obegolu, ACCI President, Aliyu Idi Hong, the Chamber’s 2nd Deputy President and Chairman of the 20th AITF, described the fair as a “historic milestone” that had evolved from a local exhibition into a continental platform for trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.
Scheduled to hold from September 25 to October 6, 2025, at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce premises, he said that the edition would mark two decades of what had grown into Nigeria’s largest and most influential multi-sectoral trade exhibition.
Obegolu added that over the last 20 years, the AITF had hosted more than 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, attracted over 1.5 million visitors, and facilitated billions of naira in investment deals.
It has also provided visibility for SMEs, supported B2B, B2G, and B2C engagements, and fostered collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions and trade agencies.
He explained that the theme for this year’s edition, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation,” reflects ACCI’s focus on aligning economic growth with innovation, responsible production, and environmental stewardship.
“Over two decades, the AITF has evolved from a promising local exhibition into Nigeria’s largest and most influential multi-sectoral trade fair, recognised across Africa as a leading platform for trade, investment, innovation, and economic diplomacy.
“In the last two decades, the AITF has: Hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas;
Attracted more than 1.5 million visitors from diverse economic sectors; Facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships; Established platforms that have driven B2B, B2G, and B2C engagements;
“Provided consistent visibility for SMEs, enabling them to reach new markets locally and internationally;
Fostered collaborations with over 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations”, he noted.
Key stakeholders including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), FCT IRS, the National Council on Climate Change, Federal Ministries, commercial banks, and fintech innovators are expected to participate in high-level panel sessions.
He stated that a major highlight of the 2025 fair would be the introduction of BABA FEST – Buy Africa, Build Africa, an initiative designed to promote African products and services. The festival will feature live performances by top African artists, fashion showcases, immersive art exhibitions, and investment networking sessions aimed at boosting intra-African trade.
According to ACCI, the fair will not only celebrate 20 years of sustained impact but also position Abuja as a hub for regional commerce while opening new markets for Nigerian and African businesses.
Hong extended an invitation to business leaders, government agencies, development partners, and international investors, describing the fair as “a strategic platform for unlocking opportunities and building a sustainable economic future for Nigeria and Africa.”
