The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union and the Government of Egypt announced the Intra- Africa Trade Fair (IATF) in 2018, the first of its kind in Africa, scheduled to hold from 11 to 17 December, 2018 in Cairo, Egypt.

The seven-day trade show will provide a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information and for enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals. It will also provide an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their goods and services and engage in business-to-business exchanges.

For exporters based in Africa and looking to expand into new markets on the continent, the trade show will be a perfect platform to showcase the goods and services which they offer. Exhibitors will have the chance to engage with potential buyers and business partners from across the continent. Potential customers will be able to engage directly with them for their goods and services, increasing the likelihood of making deals and forming partnerships.

Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said, “We invite everyone who is passionate about intra-African trade to come and see, meet, network, do business and be inspired at one of Africa’s biggest business trade shows. We look forward to seeing exhibitors form new partnerships and conclude business deals.”

The IATF will bring together key players from the manufacturing, logistics, engineering, construction, tourism, entertainment, ICT, heavy industries, finance, agriculture and agro-processing sectors. Manufacturers will be able to showcase their offerings to potential distributors. Attendees and exhibitors will also have the opportunity to engage with intra-African trade experts, who will share their expertise on various aspects of trade and export/import finance, on interactive platforms available for the duration of the event.

In addition to Afreximbank, the African Union and the Egyptian government, which is represented by the Export Development Authority, the other trade fair partners are: Africa Trade Policy Centre, Afrochampions Initiative; International Trade Centre; and Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“As you know it takes a lot to make a show like this to happen,” said Kanayo Awani, Managing Director, Intra-African Trade Initiative at Afreximbank. “We encourage additional partners and sponsors to come on board and assist us make to this trade fair a success.” More details can be found on the IATF website, www.intrafricantradefair.com.