South Africa has been called upon to take a leadership role at the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens unprecedented pathways for trade and investment across the continent.
At the IATF 2025 South Africa Business Roadshow in Johannesburg on Tuesday, Afreximbank regional director for southern Africa, Humphrey Nwugo underscored the urgency of mobilising both public and private sectors to seize emerging trade opportunities.
“This is the time to ensure that South Africa’s public and private sectors are not only present but strategically positioned to seize the immense opportunities that IATF 2025 will present.”
He noted South Africa’s robust economic foundations, entrepreneurial dynamism and institutional strength that position it to integrate seamlessly into African value chains.
“We are here to invite South Africa to lead. We want to see the country’s private sector on full display in Algiers.”
South Africa’s strong industrial base and deep integration into global markets through trade – which accounts for over 65 percent of its gross domestic product – further position the nation as a regional anchor for AfCFTA implementation.
Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala noted that the country sees AfCFTA as a historic opportunity to expand market access, foster job-rich growth and promote public-private partnerships that will drive infrastructural and economic transformation across Africa.
IATF2025, scheduled to be held in Algiers from September 4 to 10, is poised to be Africa’s premier trade and investment platform.
The event is expected to showcase over 2,000 exhibitors, welcome more than 35,000 visitors and generate significant trade deals, making it a critical platform for unlocking intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework.
The fair comes at a time when Africa is focused on deepening regional integration amid global instability, climate change and shifting trade dynamics.
AfCFTA secretary general Wamkele Mene noted the critical importance of IATF 2025, taking place amid global instability, climate change and shifting trade dynamics.
“Despite these headwinds, Africa has the capacity to navigate the challenges, accelerate industrial development, and realise the vision of a fully integrated continent,” Mene said.
He said the continent must build resilient regional value chains in sectors such as automotive and agribusiness to create inclusive growth.
In addition to traditional trade sectors, the IATF 2025 will feature the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an initiative spotlighting the continent’s burgeoning creative industries.
CANEX aims to transform Africa’s cultural output into scalable economic ventures, offering South African artists, entrepreneurs and investors another avenue to showcase their talents and forge strategic partnerships.
JN/APA