Cairo, Egypt - 2018

The inaugural
Intra-African
Trade Fair

IATF took place for the first time in 2018 at the International Exhibition Center, in Cairo, Egypt from 11-17 December.

It was organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union, and hosted by the Government of Egypt.

Partner institutions were Africa Trade Policy Centre, Afrochampions Initiative; International Trade Centre; and Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The success of the event was further stimulated by the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement by the majority of African countries in March 2018.

Who attended IATF2018

IATF2018 saw buyers, sellers, investors and governments from across Africa come together to forge new relationships, business opportunities and stimulate intra-african trade.

Buyers Sellers Investors Governements
$32BIn trade & investment deals 2,500conference participants 1,000+Exhibitors 45+countries

IATF2018 Conference theme

The 2018 conference theme – Intra-African Trade as an Engine for Development – looked at the challenges and opportunities of the African trade market.

IATF2018 was an essential source of strategic discussion and thought leadership. It unlocked new intra-African trade opportunities with thousands of exhibitors, visitors, buyers and conference delegates from across Africa and beyond.

Relive the best of IATF2018

Watch the highlights online in the Virtual Trade Fair.

  • Opening and Closing plenaries
  • Plenary sessions and panel discussions
  • Programme 2018
  • Speakers
  • Exhibitors List 2018
  • IATF reports

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Cairo,
Africa’s flourishing start-up scene


With a bustling population of over 90 million and
a forward-thinking business culture, Egypt is staking
a claim as one of the world’s fastest growing
startup and entrepreneurial hubs.


Cairo was the perfect location to launch Africa’s first trade fair of its kind.

We’ve shared trade, investment and marketing information, introduced buyers to sellers and investors to investees, signed trade deals and exhibitors showed their goods and services. Where we have fallen short and made mistakes, they were honest mistakes. We are in this together.

Prof Benedict Oramah,
Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board

Don't miss IATF2023!