By Jonathan Lois
As preparations heighten for Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) scheduled for September 4–10 in Algeria, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is urging Nigerian exporters to recognize the strategic importance of the host country and align their products and strategies accordingly.
Mr. Peter Njoku, Deputy Director of the Market Access Department at NEPC, gave this charge during a briefing on Nigeria’s readiness for the continental trade showcase, emphasizing that understanding Algeria’s evolving economic landscape is key to maximizing trade opportunities at the fair.
“Though the IATF is a continental event, the host country is central to its success,” Njoku said. “The majority of participants and potential buyers will come from Algeria, so knowing the dynamics of the Algerian market is critical for Nigerian exporters hoping to make real business connections.”
Njoku offered a snapshot of Algeria’s economic and geopolitical profile. With a population of over 46 million, a semi-presidential democratic system, and official languages including Arabic and Tamazight, Algeria presents a sizable and liberalized consumer market for business. Importantly, he noted, Algeria is transitioning from an oil-dependent economy to a diversified hub for trade, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital technology.
“This is not just about Nigeria showing up,” he stated. “It’s about understanding how Algeria has positioned itself as a gateway to three continents—Africa, Europe, and Asia. Exporters going to Algiers will not just access the Algerian market but potentially plug into broader regional and global supply chains.”
According to Njoku, Algeria’s infrastructure—including upgraded road and fiber-optic networks, extensive industrial zones, and direct links to the African Unity Road connecting to Lagos—makes it an ideal platform for Nigerian products.
Data presented by the NEPC revealed that Nigeria’s exports to Algeria have grown over the years. In 2022, the country exported over 13,000 metric tons of goods valued at approximately $3.44 million. Though there was a slight dip in 2023, 2024 saw a rebound with exports worth nearly $2.93 million. Products such as cocoa cake, glass, sesame seeds, hibiscus, flour, and granules are already finding markets in Algeria.
“This is encouraging,” Njoku said. “We already have at least seven Nigerian companies currently exporting to Algeria. For businesses in agriculture and agro-processing, this is the time to position strategically.”
He further noted that Algeria’s internal push for non-hydrocarbon exports—which rose from $1.7 billion in 2019 to $7 billion in 2022, with a $13 billion target for 2023—reflects a policy environment that favors import diversification and private sector growth.
Beyond raw materials, Nigeria is being urged to focus on value-added products. “Agro-processing, fertilizers and minerals, industrial technology, clean energy equipment, and logistics are high-demand sectors,” he explained. “Exporters must align with Algeria’s diversification goals and present solutions that support their economic reforms.”
With over 35,000 visitors and 2,000 exhibitors expected at the fair from more than 140 countries, the IATF 2025 is anticipated to generate trade deals worth between $44 billion and $48 billion. Nigeria’s participation, Njoku said, should be driven by intentionality and sectoral alignment.
He encouraged Nigerian exporters to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), emphasizing that the IATF offers a practical platform for actualizing the goals of regional integration, intra-African trade, and economic transformation.
“There will be Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements. It’s not just an exhibition—it’s a strategic networking and deal-making platform,” he stressed.
Njoku also advised participants to be aware of existing incentives and support structures such as Algeria’s investment zones, trade facilitation frameworks, and financial support programs for import-export businesses.
In closing, he said, “Nigeria must not miss this opportunity. We are calling on our exporters, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to prepare adequately, align with global standards, and tap into what is undoubtedly one of the continent’s most significant trade platforms.”
The NEPC has maintained that its focus remains on boosting non-oil exports and building Nigeria’s capacity to compete in diversified global markets—an ambition that finds practical expression in events like the IATF.
