Intra-African Trade Fair 2025: Insights from Economist Abdelkader Slimani on Algeria’s Commitment to Regional Economic Growth, Development
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria, April 15, 2024 – In an exclusive interview with Dzair Tube, esteemed economist Abdelkader Slimani shared insightful perspectives on Algeria’s pivotal role in hosting the Intra-African Trade Fair, slated for the upcoming year. Slimani emphasized that Algeria’s decision reflects its commitment to bolstering intra-African trade relations and fostering regional economic integration.
Slimani asserted, “The decision to host this major event underscores Algeria’s unwavering dedication to reform and proactive economic policies. These reforms, driven by a robust political will, demonstrate Algeria’s resolve to create a conducive environment for economic growth, particularly by enhancing intra-African trade ties.”
He highlighted Algeria’s proactive legislative approach aimed at incentivizing intra-African trade through various initiatives, including establishing Algerian banks abroad, organizing exhibitions in African nations, and creating free trade zones with neighboring countries. These measures underscore Algeria’s commitment to fostering economic integration and strengthening ties across Africa.
Moreover, Slimani discussed significant reforms within Algeria’s banking sector and financial system, illustrating the nation’s readiness to adapt to evolving economic landscapes. He emphasized Algeria’s efforts to enhance competitiveness and attractiveness for foreign investment through new monetary laws and banking reforms, facilitating economic growth and expansion.
Slimani anticipates that Algeria will emerge as a key player in African intra-trade by 2025, with the upcoming event expected to amplify trade exchanges, especially considering Algeria’s involvement in directed trade initiatives and increased openness to West African nations.
Furthermore, the event, he highlighted, will foster economic integration and forge genuine partnerships among African nations, laying the foundation for a more cohesive and interconnected economic landscape. He said, “By catalyzing direct investments in Africa, the event is poised to contribute significantly to economic growth and enhance the presence of Algerian institutions on the continental stage.”
Slimani emphasized Algeria’s strategic shift towards diversifying income sources away from hydrocarbons, underlining its commitment to sustainable economic development. “Through a focus on expanding service offerings and diversifying economic sectors, Algeria aims to achieve sustained economic growth and solidify its leadership in African intra-trade,” he further explained.
Algeria Signs Hosting Agreement for Intra-African Trade Fair 2025
Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui presided over the Host Agreement Signing Ceremony for the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) in Algiers on April 15, 2024. Facilitated by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union, the AfCFTA Secretariat, and the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the ceremony solidified plans for the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair scheduled from 4 – 10 September 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2025 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, hailed the Intra-African Trade Fair as the premier trade and investment event on the continent. He emphasized that the Hosting Agreement symbolizes a collective commitment to excellence and innovation, highlighting the IATF’s emergence as a leading event in Africa’s economic, social, and policy calendar.
Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank at Afreximbank, lauded the IATF as a catalyst for African trade, driving the vision of the AfCFTA. She emphasized the event’s role in expanding knowledge of the continent’s trading environment and enhancing industrial capacity, noting that previous fairs had generated significant trade and investment deals, totaling over US$120 billion.
Representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union underscored the strategic importance of the Intra-African Trade Fair in addressing trade information scarcity and promoting intra-African trade and investments. They highlighted the event as a symbol of hope and opportunity, aiming to unite Africa’s diverse yet cohesive identity while breaking down conventional trade barriers.
Jean-Louis Ekra, Former President of Afreximbank and Deputy Chairperson of the IATF2025 Advisory Council, praised African unity and shared purpose in promoting intra-African trade and investment. He emphasized the collective efforts needed to drive positive change and foster innovation for the continent’s future prosperity.
Algerian Minister of Trade Tayeb Zitouni emphasized Algeria’s emergence as a key economic hub within Africa, attributing this status partly to the country’s economic diversification efforts.
Zitouni underscored the significance of the forthcoming economic event to be hosted by Algeria, noting that the primary goal of the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair is to enhance economic collaboration among African nations and promote intra-continental investments.
“In pursuit of this objective, Algeria has taken steps to establish new financial institutions and set up permanent exhibitions showcasing Algerian products in select African countries, such as Mauritania and Senegal. Additionally, Algeria has forged free trade zones with numerous neighboring nations,” he remarked.
The Signing Ceremony was attended by representatives from public and private sector institutions, African diplomatic corps, financial institutions, and trade and industry associations. The event aimed to raise awareness about IATF2025 and its potential impact on Africa’s economic landscape.
Attendees also visited the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports (SAFEX), the venue for IATF2025, to gain insights into the upcoming event’s preparations.
The Intra-African Trade Fair serves as a premier platform for exhibitors to showcase goods and services, engage in business exchanges, network, and conclude deals. It also offers opportunities for participants to attend training workshops, gain insights from experts, and showcase expertise in various sectors.
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