In a decisive move to harness the immense potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), South Africa has reiterated its commitment to unlocking new growth opportunities for local businesses and boosting regional integration. At the opening of the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow in Johannesburg, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Regional Director (Southern Africa) at Afreximbank, called for immediate and concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this landmark initiative.
“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 IATF2025 will present,” Nwugo stated. He underscored South Africa’s critical role in the continent’s integration journey, supported by its robust economic foundation, entrepreneurial spirit, and institutional capabilities. “We are here to invite South Africa to lead. We want to see the country’s private sector on full display in Algiers,” he added.
The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), scheduled to take place from 4–10 September 2025 in Algiers, is anticipated to become a significant market event, offering unparalleled trade and investment opportunities across Africa. The Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, E. Wamkele Mene, echoed the fair’s importance amidst various global challenges, including political 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 emphasised, pointing out the necessity of developing regional value chains in vital sectors such as automotive and agribusiness for fostering inclusive growth.
Honourable Sihle Zikalala, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, clarified the nation’s ambition to drive industrialisation and promote regional value chain development. “South Africa views the AfCFTA as a historic opportunity to deepen economic ties with our neighbours, expand market access for our goods and services, and promote inclusive, job-rich growth,” he remarked. Zikalala urged attendees to see the IATF2025 as more than a marketplace, but as a strategic tool for translating policy into practice.
The Roadshow, which attracted over 350 business leaders, policymakers, investors, and representatives from major continental institutions, was themed “Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA.” Discussions centred around strategies for developing resilient supply chains and enhancing intra-African trade.
According to various reports, including those from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and UN COMTRADE, intra-African trade is a significant strength for South Africa, which recorded merchandise exports valued at $29.6 billion against imports from African partners of $9.6 billion. This trade was noted to comprise 26.8% of total exports, with key sectors like automotive, agro-processing, and financial services already benefiting from ongoing regional integration efforts.
Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe, Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion at Afreximbank, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to facilitating seamless intra-African trade, noting the organisation’s ongoing initiatives aimed at removing traditional barriers and enabling businesses to transact in local currencies. “IATF2025 is not just an exhibition – it’s a business gateway,” he asserted, projecting that the fair could generate upwards of $44 billion in trade and investment deals, further solidifying South Africa’s leadership role in the continent’s economic future.
In a final address, H.E. Ambassador Ali Achoui of Algeria extended an invitation to South African businesses to engage actively with the opportunities presented by IATF2025, promising streamlined processes for their participation. He highlighted Algeria’s achievements, including being the third-largest GDP in Africa and leading in realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As the IATF continues to evolve, having secured over $100 billion in trade deals since 2018, it promises to be a cornerstone for Africa’s economic future, with the potential to radically transform trade dynamics across the continent.
