IATF 2021 generates US$42.1bn trade, investment deals

BUSINESS REPORTER

The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2021) generated US$42.1bn in trade and trade-related investment deals, surpassing the US$40bn target, latest statistics released on Monday shows.

The latest figures released by the IATF Advisory Council captured additional data submitted by Trade Promotion Agencies of Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa, the organisers said.

The event, organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union (AU) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, ran from November 15 to 21 in Durban, South Africa.

This record value of trade and investment deals was the outcome of more than 500 business deals concluded during the rich and varied 7-day programme of business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government exchanges, exhibitions, trade and investment conference sessions, as well as other verticals, such as the Creative Africa Nexus programme, the IATF Automotive Show and the African Union’s Youth Start-Up programme.

IATF 2021 thus surpassed its pre-set target of US$40bn in trade and investment deals, going well beyond the US$32bn in transactions closed at the first edition in Cairo, Egypt in 2018.

The expected number of participants and exhibitors were also exceeded. Against a target of 1,100 exhibitors, IATF 2021 saw 1,161 exhibitors showcasing their goods and services. While the organisers aimed for at least 10,000 participants, the event attracted over 30,000 participants of which 11,828 were in person.

Opened on 15 November at a ceremony attended by seven African Heads of State and Government, IATF 2021 was also marked by several major innovations, such as the first African Sub-Sovereign Governments Conference held on November 18, on the sidelines of the trade fair, as well as the first ever African Auto Show and Auto Forum.

IATF 2021 Advisory Council chairman Olusegun Obasanjo commended the outstanding performance while congratulating the organisers and the host country for their tenacity.

“Despite the uncertain environment arising from the Covid-19 pandemic situation, IATF 2021 attracted exhibitors from 59 countries, of which 46 were African countries. Buyers, sellers and investors came physically and virtually from across Africa and beyond to connect and exchange trade, investment and market information,” Obasanjo said, adding, “we have effectively begun the process of building bridges for a successful AfCFTA, less than a year after the commencement of trade under this agreement”.

Afreximbank president and board chairman Benedict Oramah said that the success of IATF 2021 was proof that intra-African trade is taking root under the platform of the AFCFTA.

“We are proud to be well on the way to consolidating an initiative that is already beginning to transform intra-African trade. IATF 2021 was enormously successful at all levels. The US$42.1 billion in trade and investment deals that were generated reflected the record participation, a well-thought-out platform, diversity and depth of goods and services showcased and a rich programme,” Oramah said.

Ambassador Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining said: “IATF2021 was held under very challenging circumstances, but with the hard work and commitment from all the stakeholders, it turned out to be a huge success not only for the big business but also for the young people who participated in the IATF under the AU Youth Start-Up Programme. The IATF also plays a vital role in catalysing industrialisation and production of manufactured and value-added goods and services in support of regional economic integration objectives under the AU Agenda 2063.”

Wamkele Mene, secretary general of the AfCFTA Secretariat said IATF 2021, which comes after the commencement of trade under the AfCFTA on January 1, 2021, is a practical instrument that connects buyers and sellers and provide trade and market information to facilitate intra-African trade under the AfCFTA.

“The conclusion of trade and investment deals worth $42.1 billion demonstrates that there is a huge opportunity for boosting intra-African trade if all the key stakeholders work together,” he said.