The 20th Abuja International Trade Fair officially opened today, September 25, 2025, at the Abuja Trade Centre, drawing more than 500 exhibitors and an estimated 100,000 visitors from across Nigeria and beyond. The fair, which will run for 12 days until October 6, 2025, has attracted participation from at least seven countries, highlighting its growing global influence.
Speaking ahead of the event, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Emeka Obegolu, described this year’s edition as a landmark celebration of two decades of sustained impact in trade, innovation, and business networking. Represented by the 2nd Deputy President and Chairman of the Trade Fair Committee, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong, Obegolu emphasized that the AITF has become a driving force for Nigeria’s economic growth and a vital hub for African integration into the global economy.
“In the last 20 years, the Abuja International Trade Fair has hosted over 2,500 exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while attracting more than 1.5 million visitors,” he said. “It has facilitated billions of naira in trade deals, fostered partnerships across sectors, supported SMEs to reach international markets, and collaborated with over 40 diplomatic missions and trade bodies.”
The 2025 edition is themed “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation”, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to addressing economic and environmental challenges in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. According to Obegolu, this year’s discussions will focus on how sustainable consumption patterns, taxation, and incentives can encourage responsible investment and production in Nigeria’s economy.
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One of the major highlights of this edition is the launch of Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA FEST), a bold new initiative by the ACCI designed to promote African-made products and services both within the continent and globally. BABA FEST will showcase Africa’s creativity and entrepreneurial energy through live musical performances by top African artists, fashion exhibitions by leading designers, immersive art displays, networking sessions, and investment forums tailored to highlight Africa’s competitive edge.
Over the course of the fair, exhibitions will cover trade, industry, agriculture, fintech, renewable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and creative industries. Panel sessions will bring together policymakers, business leaders, and development partners to debate strategies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Obegolu stressed that the Abuja International Trade Fair has remained a vital meeting point for government agencies shaping policy, investors seeking new markets, international partners exploring opportunities, and SMEs looking to gain visibility and access financing.
“The Abuja International Trade Fair is more than an exhibition,” he added. “It is a platform for shaping Nigeria’s future, strengthening Africa’s economic voice, and connecting businesses with opportunities that transcend borders.”
