Online Reporter
Business Reporter
More than 25 local firms in the FMCG, horticulture, leather, arts and crafts, services, and furniture value chains are heading to Algeria next week for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF).
The IATF2025, which will be held in the capital, Algiers from September 4 to 10, will provide local firms with a platform to explore trade opportunities, connect with businesses and expand in Africa’s $3,5 trillion market.
The IATF is held every two years with the aim of bringing together continental and global players to explore business and investment opportunities in Africa. The trade fair also serves as a marketplace where buyers and sellers meet and explore business opportunities, to share trade, investment and market information and to identify solutions to address the challenges affecting intra-African trade.
According to the organisers, the event is a game-changer for intra-African trade, as it has access to over 1,4 billion people and a GDP exceeding $3,5 trillion.
This year’s event is expected to generate $44 billion in trade and investment deals while 35 000 people are expected to participate as conference delegates, trade visitors and media. More than 75 countries and more than 2 000 exhibitors are expected to participate. Those participating at the event will be able to explore key sectors like manufacturing, ICT, energy, finance, health and creative industries, among others.
ZimTrade, the country’s national trade development and promotion organisation, is facilitating the participation of local firms at IATF and sees it as “one of the most important platforms to grow our exports across the continent”.
Each time Zimbabwean firms have participated in the IATF, the platform has created real opportunities for businesses to connect with new markets, strengthen supply chains, and take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to ZimTrade chief executive officer Allan Majuru.
“From past editions, we have seen clear successes. Companies across sectors such as horticulture, manufacturing and services secured valuable leads and partnerships. Many of these have developed into long-term exports, showing that IATF is not just about visibility but also about delivering measurable results. These successes give us a strong foundation to build on as we go into this year’s exhibition,” Mr Majuru said.
He added that what makes this year even more exciting is the mix of exhibitors that will represent Zimbabwe.
“In addition to private sector companies, we will have institutions of higher and tertiary education showcasing innovations, technologies and research-driven solutions. This is intentional because our universities and colleges are producing world-class ideas and products that can stand on any African stage.
“When you bring together the private sector, state institutions and academia, you show the full range of what Zimbabwe can offer. It sends a clear message that the country is ready to engage the rest of the continent with top-quality products, services and innovations that support the growth of intra-African trade,” said Mr Majuru.
Macdonald Ndovi, an International Business and Transformation Analyst, said the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF25) in Algiers is more than just an event.
“It is a critical mechanism for turning the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) into a tangible reality.
“The AfCFTA, the world’s largest free trade area, promises to unlock a single market of 1,4 billion people with a combined GDP of over $3,4 trillion.”
However, Mr Ndovi said this potential can only be realised through active participation and strategic connections.
He said IATF2025 serves as the continent’s premier marketplace, providing a vital platform for businesses, investors and governments to forge deals, build partnerships and overcome logistical hurdles.
“It’s where the policy of free trade meets the practice of commerce. By showcasing African-made goods, facilitating B2B and B2G connections, and spotlighting innovative sectors like the creative industries and technology, the fair directly contributes to the development of regional value chains and the promotion of intra-African trade.
“Participation is not merely an option, but a strategic imperative for any business serious about thriving in Africa’s new economic era. The future of intra-African trade is being written now, and every stakeholder has a role to play in this continental success story,” said Mr Ndovi.
