Abuja: The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced that its International Trade Fair (AITF) has successfully hosted 2,500 exhibitors and attracted over 1.5 million visitors from various economic sectors in the past two decades. Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the ACCI, shared this information while addressing the media ahead of the upcoming 20th edition of the AITF.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Aliyu Hong, ACCI 2nd Deputy President and Chairman of the 20th edition of the AITF, represented Obegolu during the news conference. He stated that the exhibitors have come from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The AITF has facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, investments, and partnerships, and has established platforms that have driven Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G), and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) engagements. The trade fair has consistently provided visibility for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to reach new markets both locally and internationally.
Obegolu also highlighted that the AITF has fostered collaborations with more than 40 diplomatic missions, trade agencies, and international business associations. He emphasized that these milestones reflect the AITF's role as a catalyst for Nigeria's economic growth and a key driver of Africa's integration into the global economy. The 2025 AITF theme, "Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation," underscores the ACCI's commitment to addressing pressing economic and environmental challenges.
A significant highlight of the 2025 AITF will be the inauguration of the BABA FEST (Buy Africa, Build Africa) initiative. ACCI's initiative aims to promote African products and services within the continent and globally. The BABA FEST will celebrate Africa's creativity, talent, and entrepreneurial energy, serving as a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa.
This year's fair will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners to explore how consumption patterns, incentives, and taxation can align to drive responsible production, investment, and environmental stewardship, in line with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event is expected to feature about 20 country exhibitors and 20 diplomatic countries. The fair will attract more than 100,000 participants over 12 days, with exhibitions covering trade, industry, agriculture, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and creative industries.
Panel sessions will include discussions with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), FCT IRS, the National Council on Climate Change, relevant ministries, and international agencies. The AITF is scheduled to take place from September 25 to October 6, 2025.
Obegolu called on all stakeholders, including the government, private sectors, development partners, media, and the public, to support the AITF in shaping a sustainable and prosperous economic future for Nigeria and Africa.