Arise IIP Joins IATF2025 as Premier Partner

Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), the pan-African developer and operator of large-scale industrial ecosystems, has been confirmed as an official Premier Partner for the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025). The significant trade and investment event is scheduled for Algiers, Algeria, from 4 to 10 September 2025.

Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in co-operation with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and hosted by Algeria, IATF2025 anticipates hosting more than 2,000 exhibitors from Africa and other regions. 

The biennial fair aims to stimulate trade within Africa and highlight diverse investment prospects across the continent, with expectations of facilitating trade and investment deals valued at over US$44 billion. This edition will feature a notable contingent of production and service companies, complemented by a dedicated forum focused on investment, trade, and advancing Africa’s economic integration.

Arise IIP, established as a joint venture involving the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Equitane, and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA) – a subsidiary of Afreximbank – focuses on identifying industrial needs within African nations. 

The company designs bespoke solutions to foster sustainable local processing of raw materials, increase export capacity, and enhance trade flows. Its core mission centres on accelerating Africa’s industrial development through the creation of tailored industrial parks and processing zones that leverage local opportunities.

Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, welcomed the partnership. She highlighted the established strategic collaboration between Afreximbank and Arise IIP over recent years, driven by shared objectives of promoting intra-African trade, enabling industrial expansion, and reinforcing Africa’s role within global value chains.

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Amit Agrawal, Chief Operating Officer of Arise IIP, expressed honour at partnering again with the Intra-African Trade Fair. He described IATF as a key platform for connecting stakeholders dedicated to Africa’s industrialisation and economic integration. Agrawal noted that participation in IATF2023 enabled Arise IIP to demonstrate the potential of local manufacturing during its Country Day event, and the company looks forward to building on this progress. 

He emphasised Arise IIP's conviction that intra-African trade is fundamental to realising the continent’s industrial capabilities, stating that IATF2025 presents a significant opportunity to form new partnerships, attract investment, and speed up the development of sustainable and inclusive industrial ecosystems.

Arise IIP’s operational footprint extends across multiple African nations, including key projects such as the Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ), the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ) in Benin, the Plateforme Industrielle d’Adétikopé (PIA) in Togo, the Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) in Rwanda, and the Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone (IPRFZ) in Nigeria.

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Africa Automotive: Algeria geared to go

Algeria is ready and geared to host the next Intra Africa Trade Fair, having been party to the signing of the agreement to stage the 2025 event that will a pivotal step in furthering the African Free Trade Agreement and bolstering inter-communication and cooperation within the auto industry across Africa.

In collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union, and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Hosting Agreement for the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 (IATF2025) was signed to set the stage for the fourth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair, scheduled to be held in Algiers from September 4 to September 10, 2025.

Seated from (left to right): Chiza Charles Chiumya, representing Ambassador Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Trade and Industry African Union Commission, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade Bank – Afreximbank, H.E. Tayeb Zitouni, Minister of Trade and Export Promotion, Algeria, and Chawki Jaballi, Representing H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General AfCFTA Secretariat. Standing from left to right: HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2025 Advisory Council and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and HE Nadir Larbaoui, Prime Minister of Algeria.

During the ceremony, attended by dignitaries including HE Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairperson of the IATF2025 Advisory Council, and Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, the importance of the fair in promoting trade and investment within Africa was underscored. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized the transformative impact of the fair, highlighting its role as a catalyst for economic growth and continental integration.

Kanayo Awani echoed this sentiment, stating the IATF has become a vital platform for realising the vision of the AfCFTA, facilitating trade deals and fostering business connections that benefit economies across the continent and expressed gratitude to the Government of Algeria for their steadfast support.

Representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Union emphasized the strategic significance of the IATF in addressing trade challenges and promoting intra-African commerce. They highlighted the fair as a symbol of unity and opportunity, aimed at breaking down barriers and driving economic development.

In his closing remarks, Jean-Louis Ekra commended the collaborative efforts driving the fair's success, emphasizing the power of collective action in advancing trade and investment in Africa.

The ceremony, attended by a diverse array of stakeholders including public and private sector representatives, diplomatic corps, and industry associations, served to raise awareness about the upcoming IATF2025. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the venue for the fair, the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports (SAFEX).

The Intra-African Trade Fair stands as the continent's premier trade and investment event, offering exhibitors a platform to showcase their products and services, engage in business exchanges, and establish valuable connections. With its focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, the fair plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and prosperity across Africa.

The success of previous editions, such as the third edition held in Cairo in 2023, underscores the growing importance of the IATF in promoting intra-African trade and investment. With each iteration, the fair continues to expand its reach and impact, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Africa's economic development agenda.

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