Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) ends on high note with record $48.3 billion in deals signed by participants

Published

7 months ago

on

IATF2025

There were also enriching discussions by political, business and other leaders on key Intra-African trade issues during the conference segment of the trade fair, with some of the most sough-after African and international speakers participating

ALGIERS, Algeria, September 11, 2025/APO Group/ –The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023), hosted in Algiers, Algeria, ended on September 10, 2025 in a resounding success with US$48.3 billion in trade and investment deals signed during the weeklong continental exposition event that begun on September 4 and attended by over 112,000 visitors (physical and virtual), from 132 countries. A total of 958 buyers also participated in the event.

The opening ceremony, addressed by Algerian President, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune among other dignitaries, featured a lively summit style discussion that saw the participation of fourteen (14) Heads of State and government, 6 representatives of government as well as 41 ministers and deputy ministers. Held biennially, IATF provides a platform for businesses in Africa and the rest of the world to showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exchanging information and exploring opportunities. The weeklong Fair held from 4-5 September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria was organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

According to the IATF2025 Report Card, the event welcomed 2,148 exhibitors and featured major activities, including a trade exhibition by countries and businesses, a four-day trade and investment forum graced by leading African and international speakers, the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme with its own dedicated exhibition covering fashion, music, film, arts and craft, sports, literature and gastronomy, as well as the Africa Automotive Show.

The robust and enriching programme also included nine Special Days hosted by countries and organisations to showcase their trade and investment opportunities, including an IATF2025 Global Africa Day that highlighted commercial and cultural ties between Africa and its diaspora, the Arise IIP Industrial Day and the Dangote Day as well as Country Days by Algeria, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Cote d’Ivoire.

B2B and B2G matchmaking programmes were held to facilitate strategic partnerships and government collaborations to unlock new opportunities while the AU Youth Start-Up Programme showcased innovative ideas and prototypes, and the Africa Research and Innovation Hub @ IATF targeted the academia and national researchers. The activities were preceded by the IATF Virtual Platform which had already been live throughout the year, connecting exhibitors and visitors.

Addressing the closing ceremony, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Advisory Council of IATF2025, said that the trade fair had surpassed all expectations and targets set by the organisers and expressed “a sense of accomplishment and feeling of satisfaction” at the outcome.

Chief Obasanjo attributed the successful outcome to the vibrant exchanges and dynamic partnerships that pervaded the trade fair and said that, more than being just a trade fair, IATF2025 was a testament to a more integrated and prosperous Africa.

He added: “Through vibrant exchanges and partnerships, IATF2025 has exceeded our expectations and now stands as the biggest ever. It has sown the seed of future prosperity for our shared vision of an economically integrated Africa. We need to continue building on these established connections in exploring new opportunities, working together to realise the full benefits of AfCFTA.”

We need to continue building on these established connections in exploring new opportunities, working together to realise the full benefits of AfCFTA

There were also enriching discussions by political, business and other leaders on key Intra-African trade issues during the conference segment of the trade fair, with some of the most sough-after African and international speakers participating.

Other key outcomes emanating from the event include:

  • Institutionalisation of the Intra-African Trade Fair as a stand-alone treaty-based entity called IATFCO with headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe;
  • Announcement of Lagos, Nigeria, as venue of the next IATF in 2027 and presentation of the Hosting Flag to the Nigerian Minister of Trade, Dr. Jumoke  Oduwole; and

Award of the hosting rights for the Sixth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Investment Conference in 2026 to Cross River State of Nigeria, with Calabar as the designated venue. The Hosting Agreement was signed by Governor Bassey Edet Otu on behalf of Cross River State, and Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade and Export Development on behalf of Afreximbank.

Algeria, which had emerged a natural choice for IATF2025 because of its established industrial value chains, diversified economy and strategic location, ended up accounting for $11.4 billion of the $48.3-billion contracts signed at the trade fair, representing 23.6 per cent of the total deals that were closed at the fair. Additional export opportunities/commitments for Algerian companies from the Fair, amounting to $11.6 billion, are still scheduled to be signed.

Algerian businesses also took advantage of IATF2025 to showcase their products, attract investment and connect with new partners, enabling them to establish long-term business relationships and connections with counterparts in other African countries in support of AfCFTA implementation.

In addition, the impressive turnout of participants attracted heightened media visibility to Algeria, raising the Maghreb country’s profile and significantly boosting its trade prospects while the tourism and hospitality sectors benefitted from a boom in patronage of hotels, transport and logistics companies, tour operators and other businesses in the value chain.

The closing ceremony also featured an awards segment with winners in the following categories:

  • Best Stand Design (Entity) – Mota Engil
  • Best Stand Design (Pavilion) – Country/Organisation) – Zambia
  • Best Stand – Nigerian
  • Best Stand Feature – Zimbabwe
  • Most Sustainable/Going Green – Ogun State, Nigeria
  • Most Innovative Stand – Arise IIP
  • CANEX Award – Ministry of Arts and Culture, Algeria
  • African Automotive Show Award – Fiat Stellantis

Awards were also presented in the AU Youth Startup, Healthcare Technology Innovation Hackaton and SME Pitch categories.

Thousands of African businesses, including SMEs, have connected with new partners and entered new markets through the IATF platform.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Home  Facebook

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Africa’s Lithium Pipeline Gains Momentum as Global Supply Deficits Loom

Published

5 hours ago

on

April 9, 2026

By

Energy Capital

The upcoming African Mining Week 2026 – taking place from October 14-16 in Cape Town – will connect global investors with prospects within the lithium industry amidst an anticipated resource supply deficit by 2028

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 9, 2026/APO Group/ –Rising demand for lithium is positioning Africa to attract foreign investment, accelerate local beneficiation and strengthen its role in securing the global battery supply chain. A recent forecast by Wood Mackenzie projects that global lithium demand could exceed 13 million tons by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition scenario. This surge is expected to place significant pressure on supply, with deficits emerging as early as 2028. Without substantial new investments, existing lithium projects will struggle to meet demand beyond the mid-2030s.

 

Against this backdrop, Africa’s growing pipeline of greenfield and development-stage lithium projects positions the continent as an increasingly important contributor to global supply security. In 2025, Africa ranked as the largest source of new lithium supply globally, with new output from the region exceeding that of the rest of the world combined. This milestone underscores the continent’s potential to scale production and strengthen its role in the global battery minerals market.

Emerging Lithium Producers Strengthen Africa’s Supply Pipeline

Even under a slower energy transition scenario, Wood Mackenzie projects that lithium markets will remain adequately supplied until 2037, before entering deficit. This outlook reinforces Africa’s strategic role as new projects across Mali, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia advance toward production.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Zijin Mining, AVZ Minerals and KoBold Metals are expected to begin operations at the Manono lithium project in mid-to-late 2026, marking the country’s first lithium output. Ranked among the world’s largest hard-rock lithium deposits, Manono is expected to begin exports shortly after commissioning, diversifying DRC’s mineral output while strengthening the continent`s contribution to the global electric vehicles and battery supply chain.

Mali Emerges as a Regional Lithium Hub

Mali is also rapidly positioning itself as a key lithium producer. The Bougouni Lithium Project, commissioned in 2025, currently produces approximately 125,000 tons per annum of concentrate, with Phase Two expansion plans underway that could nearly double production capacity.

Meanwhile, the Goulamina Lithium Project, one of the largest spodumene deposits globally, is producing around 506,000 tons of spodumene concentrate annually, with expansion plans targeting one million tons per year. Together, these projects are expected to significantly strengthen Mali and Africa’s position within the global lithium market.

Ghana and Zimbabwe Expand Lithium Production and Value Addition

In Ghana, the Ewoyaa Lithium Project, developed by Atlantic Lithium, is set to become the country’s first lithium-producing mine, with production targeted for late 2027. The project is expected to produce 3.58 million tons of spodumene concentrate grading 6% and 5.5%, alongside approximately 4.7 million tons of secondary product, further strengthening Africa’s contribution to global lithium supply.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe – currently Africa’s largest lithium producer – is accelerating efforts to move up the value chain. Government policies restricting the export of raw lithium are encouraging investment in local processing and beneficiation facilities, supporting the production of higher-value lithium products and positioning the country as a key supplier to the global battery materials market.

Investment Momentum Builds Ahead of African Mining Week

With an estimated $276 billion in new investment required to avoid the forecast supply deficits beginning in 2028, Africa’s lithium-rich countries are well positioned to attract the capital needed to expand production and downstream processing.

In this context, African Mining Week 2026 – scheduled for October 14–16 in Cape Town – will serve as a key platform for global investors, project developers and policymakers to engage on opportunities within Africa’s lithium sector. As the continent’s premier mining investment event, the conference will feature high-level discussions, project showcases and strategic networking sessions aimed at accelerating partnerships across the lithium value chain.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Business

Afreximbank delivers strong FY2025 results; with a total assets and contingencies base of US$48.5 billion

Published

5 hours ago

on

April 9, 2026

By

Afreximbank

Total assets and contingencies rose by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion as at 31 December 2024, underscoring the Bank’s consistent growth trajectory

The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality

CAIRO, Egypt, April 9, 2026/APO Group/ –African Export-Import Bank (“Afreximbank” or the “Bank”) (www.Afreximbank.com) and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) has announced strong results for the year ended 31 December 2025, underscoring sustained financial resilience, increased market confidence and strategic execution.

 

Total assets and contingencies rose by 21% to US$48.5 billion, up from US$40.1 billion as at 31 December 2024, underscoring the Bank’s consistent growth trajectory.

Net loans and advances for the Group closed the year at US$33.5 billion (FY’2024: US$29.0 billion), an increase of 16%, supported by continued disbursements across the continent and the Caribbean through various product offerings. The Group funded strategic priorities areas such as manufacturing, infrastructure, food security and climate adaptation.

The Group’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained stable at 2.43% (FY’2024: 2.33%), demonstrating consistent portfolio quality.

The Group’s liquidity position remained robust, with cash and cash equivalents at US$6.0 billion (FY’2024: US$4.6 billion). Liquid assets accounted for 14% of total assets, above the Bank’s strategic minimum level of 10%. Shareholders’ funds grew by 17% to US$8.4 billion as at 31 December 2025, driven by net income of US$1.2 billion, and new equity inflows of US$299.4 million raised under the General Capital Increase II.

Gross Income increased by 6.06% reaching US$3.5 billion in FY’2025 from US$3.3 billion achieved in FY’2024.

Operating expenses increased to US$459.2 million (FY’2024: US$367.7 million), reflecting strategic staff expansion, and inflationary pressures with the Group maintained strong cost efficiency resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 21% (FY’2024: 18%) well below the strategic ceiling of 30%.

Contrary to concerns raised by some rating agencies during the year, the Bank accessed international bond markets by successfully raising over US$800 million from Japan and China, courtesy of the Samurai and Panda bonds in 2025. This demonstrated the Group’s fund-raising capabilities and the solid nature of the Bank’s DNA as a pan-African multilateral financial institution committed to ensuring that Africa’s full and sustainable self-reliance remain firm.

Net income increased by 19% to US$1.2 billion in 2025, up from US$973.5 million in the prior year. These results were achieved through the expanded delivery of tailored financial and advisory solutions that supported trade, fostered industrialisation and enhanced economic self-reliance.

Highlights of the results for Afreximbank Group are shown below:

Financial Performance Metrics

FY’2025

FY’2024
Gross Income (US$ billion)

3.5

3.3
Net Income (US$ million)

1,156.8

973.5
Return on average equity (ROAE)

15%

15%
Return on average assets (ROAA)

3.04%

2.96%
Cost-to-income ratio

21%

18%

 

Financial Position Metrics

FY’2025

9M’2024
Total Assets (US$ billion)

42.3

35.3
Total Liabilities (US$ billion)

33.9

28.1
Shareholders’ Funds (US$ billion)

8.4

7.2
Non-performing loans ratio (NPL)

  2.43%

2.33%
Cash/Total assets

14%

13%
Capital Adequacy ratio (Basel II)                                                                         23%

24%

 

Mr. Denys Denya, Afreximbank’s Senior Executive Vice President, commented:

 

“Despite continuing global geopolitical challenges and disruptions caused by some rating actions, the Group delivered excellent financial performance in 2025, a fitting tribute to a decade of consequential leadership under Professor Oramah, with total assets and contingencies reaching $49 billion. Pleasingly, the Group is way ahead on most of it targets in delivery on its 6th Strategic plan that ends on 31 December 2026. With recently established subsidiaries such as FEDA and AfrexInsure becoming profitable, Net income grew by 19% to stand at US$1.2 billion, underpinned by a strong capital base of US$8.4 billion. The Group’s balance sheet is at its strongest level ever, with liquidity levels and capitalisation well above target and good asset quality. These results are a testament to the unwavering execution by the Group’s hard working human capital. We entered 2026 financial year with significant momentum, ready to scale the Group’s impact, accelerate trade integration and value addition across Global Africa, and deliver greater value to our shareholders.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Continue Reading

Events

Chinese Mainland’s Largest Conference on Chest Pain Centres Goes Global in Hong Kong

Published

8 hours ago

on

April 9, 2026

By

Hong Kong

With robust lineup of medical conventions in 2026

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 April 2026 – Marking yet another milestone as the World’s Meeting Place, Hong Kong became the first city outside Chinese Mainland to host the nation’s largest conference on chest pain centres – the 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress (CCPCC 2026), thanks to the effort of Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) appointed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).
Together with two other high-profile and hugely successful medical congresses – the 41st Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress in February and the 17th Asian Congress of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in March, Hong Kong’s medical science events space was off to a strong start in 2026.

Ms Marilyn Tham, General Manager of Mega Events, MICE & Cruise of the HKTB said, “Hong Kong’s leading edge in medical sciences coupled with the city’s world-class venues and destination appeal have enabled notable success for internationally significant medical events. CCPCC 2026 is one of the large-scale medical conventions confirmed for 2026. Such robust lineup reflects event organisers’ confidence in Hong Kong as a premier hub for advancing global exchanges on medical sciences.”

Over 10 medical conventions have secured a spot in Hong Kong this year, spanning diverse disciplines, from cytology to oncology, antimicrobial resistance and more (see full list below). The breadth and depth of the events reflects Hong Kong’s growing appeal as the premier convention hub where global medical minds meet.

Globalising Chest Pain Leadership from Hong Kong

Held on 3-4 April 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with a concurrent venue in Shenzhen, CCPCC 2026 converged 3,000 healthcare leaders, physicians, nurses, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, the Belt and Road countries and beyond. The rich topics explored across two days encompassed cutting-edge healthcare innovations, AI-assisted clinical decision-making, intelligent emergency response systems and international accreditation standards.

Co-organised by Hospital Authority (HA) of Hong Kong, the National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, the Guangdong Chest Pain Centers Association, the Chinese Cardiovascular Association (CCA) and Oriental Huaxia Cardiovascular Health Research Institute (OHCHRI), Suzhou Industrial Park, CCPCC 2026 showcased conducive partnership.

Mr. Wenming Zeng, Secretary-General of OHCHRI, remarked, “The global influence of CCPCC has been growing over the years. Thanks to Hong Kong’s strategic location, leading medical standing and its unique role bridging Chinese Mainland and the world, this year’s congress has drawn even wider global participation, giving the event greater international significance. Hong Kong has helped showcase our event to the world, taking cardiovascular emergency intervention to a new height globally.”

A Launchpad for Mainland-spearheaded International Standards

Capitalising on Hong Kong’s strengths as a super-connector for fostering globalisation, CCPCC 2026 released for the first time the “International Standards on Chest Pain Center Construction and Accreditation”, marking Mainland’s global leadership in cutting-edge cardiovascular emergency intervention. Leveraging Hong Kong’s internationalisation, the efforts to foster global policy support and implementation of the standards will contribute to fair, accessible and timely intervention for cardiovascular emergencies around the world.

Another Significant Win for HKCA Programme on its 5th Anniversary

As a HKTB-appointed HKCA, Prof Lu Shi-Juan, who is a Member of Hainan Medical Association Cardiovascular Professional Committee, played an instrumental role in bringing CCPCC 2026 to Hong Kong. This marked the latest success story of the HKCA programme, as HKTB celebrated the programme’s milestone 5th anniversary with a HKCA Networking Cocktail Event on 31 March, 2026.

Prof Lu noted, “As a Hong Kong International Convention Ambassador, I have worked closely with the HKTB to bring CCPCC to Hong Kong, which is a gateway to the global stage. Hosting the conference here showcases how Hong Kong can elevate Mainland conferences internationally, foster cross‑border knowledge exchange and help shape the future development of the broader medical and professional community.”
The HKCA programme bands together over 170 local and mainland sector leaders of 13 industries and academics to champion Hong Kong as the World’s Meeting Place. Their initiative and connections have helped Hong Kong secure 50 convention wins that have brought in nearly 100,000 high-value overnight MICE visitors.

Strong Medical Events Lineup in 2026

Over 10 medical conventions will be held in 2026 across various disciplines, including ophthalmology, oncology, antimicrobial resistance and cytology.

Event

(*first-ever in Hong Kong)

 Date / Venue Highlights
The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress 2026 5-8 Feb,

HKCEC

 The largest and most authoritative ophthalmology congress in APAC, returning to HK for the fifth time, with record-breakingattendance of 11,000+ participants from 111 countries and regions.
The 17th Asian Congress on Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2026 27-29 Mar,

HKCEC

 Held in Hong Kong for the second time, bringing together internationally acclaimed speakers, globally renowned experts and young surgeons to foster academic exchange and professional development.
The 15th China Chest Pain Centers Congress 3-4 Apr,

HKCEC

 Chinese Mainland’s largest conference on chest pain centres, hosted for the first time outside Chinese Mainland.
*Asian Federation of Cytology Societies Conference 2026 8-10 May,

Postgraduate Education Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital

 First edition in Hong Kong, bringing together regional and international cytology experts for academic exchange and collaboration.
International Symposium on Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance 2026 12-14 Jun,

HKCEC

 A key international platform for academic exchange on infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
European Society of Medical Oncology Targeted Anticancer Therapies Asia 2026 12-14 Jun,

Kerry Hotel

 A key Asia-Pacific platform for showcasing the latest advances in early-phase oncology drug development, targeted therapies and precision oncology.
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Conference 2026 10-13 Aug,

Cheung Kung Hai Conference Centre, The University of Hong Kong

 A major regional scientific meeting in biochemistry and molecular biology, bringing together researchers, educators and professionals from across Asia and Oceania for academic exchange and collaboration.
* 2026 World Cancer Congress 24-26 Sep,

HKCEC

 A leading global forum advancing cancer control and research.
2026 Asia-Pacific Longevity Medicine International Summit 1-4 Oct,

TBC

 A leading international platform and regional collaborative hub dedicated to longevity medicine and innovation, attracting top longevity scientists, medical experts, cross-industry entrepreneurs and investors from over 50 countries.
10th Asia Cornea Society Scientific Meeting 2026 11-13 Dec,

TBC

 A key regional forum for cornea specialists to exchange the latest clinical insights, diagnostics and treatments, and to strengthen collaboration across the Asia-Pacific ophthalmology community.
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Global Health Conference 2026 7-9 Dec,

Henry Cheng International Conference Centre, CUHK

 Third time in Hong Kong, convening leading academics, policymakers and practitioners to address critical global health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

 

Continue Reading

Trending