Algeria strengthens its role as an economic engine in Africa

Algeria is taking a new step in its strategy to consolidate its economic presence in Africa. The country has just signed an agreement to host the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in September 2025 in Algiers, a major event for the continent’s economic integration.

In November 2023, Algeria’s bid to host IATF 2025 was accepted, following a positive assessment of its infrastructure by the African Union Commission in June of the same year. This decision demonstrates the confidence placed in Algeria and its organizational capabilities.

On July 22, 2024, Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui presided over the signing ceremony of the IATF 2025 organization agreement. This accord, concluded between the Algerian government and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), marks a crucial step in bringing this continental-scale event to fruition.

The Minister of Commerce, Tayeb Zitouni, emphasized that hosting the IATF aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s strategy to strengthen African integration. Algeria has already undertaken several concrete actions in this direction, including opening permanent Algerian banks and fairs in several African countries in 2023, creating African-oriented free zones, and developing transport infrastructure, notably the African Unity Road connecting Algiers to Lagos and the Tindouf-Zouerate road to Mauritania.

Leveraging its strategic geographical position, Algeria aims to become a true economic crossroads between Africa, Europe, and Asia. Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of road and rail networks, aim to connect Algerian ports to the African interior, thus promoting intra-African trade.

IATF 2025, to be held from September 4 to 10 at the Algiers Exhibition Center, promises to be a flagship event for the African economy. The program includes a trade exhibition, an investment forum, a creative and cultural industries fair, as well as business meetings between entrepreneurs from across the continent.

The National Association of Algerian Traders and Artisans (ANCA) has called on economic operators to seize this opportunity to promote local products and increase their presence in the African market.

Commerce Minister Zitouni recalled Algeria’s long-standing commitment to the African continent, emphasizing that the country has mobilized its resources for decades to support many African countries. Today, Algeria intends to play a driving role in the continent’s economic development while contributing to peace and stability through economic integration.

With exports to Africa amounting to $2.7 billion, including $650 million in non-hydrocarbon exports, Algeria demonstrates its willingness to diversify its economy and strengthen its trade ties with African partners.

The organization of IATF 2025 in Algiers thus marks a new stage in affirming Algeria’s role as a major economic player in Africa, actively participating in building a prosperous future for the continent. R.E