ACCI Launches ‘Buy Africa, Build Africa’ Initiative For 2025 Trade Fair

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced the 20th edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), which will be held from September 25 to October 6, 2025, at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre.

The 2025 edition celebrates two decades of ACCI’s leadership in hosting one of Nigeria’s largest multi-sectoral trade fairs, creating a strategic platform for business growth, investment, and innovation nationally and internationally.

The 20th edition of the AITF will be held under the theme “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation”, forward-looking topic that reflects Nigeria’s economic aspirations in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the president of ACCI, Dr. Emeka Obegolu, expressed optimism that the 2025 Fair will present unprecedented opportunities for businesses, policymakers, and the international community.

“The 20th anniversary of the Abuja International Trade Fair is not just a celebration of longevity but a demonstration of the Chamber’s enduring commitment to promoting sustainable business growth. The Fair remains a premier platform for showcasing products, forging partnerships, exploring innovations, and addressing emerging economic realities.

“We are particularly excited to launch the ‘Buy Africa, Build Africa’ (BABA) initiative, a visionary platform designed to market African products and services within the continent and globally, while driving intra-African trade and economic empowerment.”

ACCI’s second deputy president and chairman of the 20th edition of AITF, Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, said 40 countries’ diplomatic representation has been confirmed for the event, while 20 other countries have indicated interest in participating.

The 2025 AITF is expected to attract over 100,000 participants across 12 days, including representatives from government agencies, multinational corporations, SMEs, diplomatic missions, and development partners.

Hong said the fair will feature exhibitions to showcase innovations in trade, industry, agriculture, technology, fintech, sustainable energy, transportation, environmental solutions, and creative industries.

There would also be panel sessions with key stakeholders such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), FCT Inland Revenue Service, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Ministries of Industry, Finance, Trade, Science, and Innovation, as well as commercial banks, fintech leaders, and international agencies.

He said there will also be a cultural and economic showcase spotlighting Africa’s creative industries through music, fashion, art, and digital innovation, alongside investment dialogues and brand activations.

The fair will also provide a dedicated platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), recognising their critical role in job creation, industrial growth, and national prosperity.

The Abuja International Trade Fair is one of Nigeria’s multi-sectoral trade exhibitions, offering unparalleled opportunities for B2B, B2G, and B2C engagements. Strategically located in the nation’s capital, AITF provides a secure, accessible, and neutral platform for forging trade, investment, and diplomatic relationships.

“The ACCI calls on business leaders, policy makers, investors, innovators, and the general public to participate in this milestone event as the Chamber works toward building a more sustainable, prosperous future for Nigeria and Africa,” Dr. Obegolu stated.