The Egyptian capital city of Cairo has appointed the new host of the third Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2023), which will now take place from 9 to 15 November 2023.
The IATF2023 Advisory Council said in Cairo that the decision to change the venue and dates of the continental event followed the announcement from Côte d’Ivoire that it was no longer in a position to host the trade fair.
Côte d’Ivoire, which was originally scheduled to host the trade fair from 21 to 27 November 2023, said it was facing difficulties to import semi-permanent structures and complying with certain hosting requirements.
Olusegun Obasanjo, Chairman of the IATF2023 Advisory Council, which is the governance body of the trade fair, commended Egypt’s commitment to step in as the new host.
“We must thank the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt for its responsiveness, flexibility and dedication in, once again, hosting the Intra-African Trade Fair,” said Obasanjo. “This, undoubtedly, demonstrates its commitment to promoting and expanding trade among African countries. With Egypt, the biennial IATF was launched in 2018 with flying colours.”
Obasanjo reassured IATF2023 stakeholders, including exhibitors, conference delegates, buyers and trade visitors, that the experience gained from Egypt and South Africa as previous hosts will make the third edition of the trade and investment platform a success beyond expectations.
“We are keen on extending all-out support to convene the fair in a form that suits Egypt’s position in Africa. IATF2023 will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over $3.5 trillion created under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” said Ahmed Samir, Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt.
Egypt offers first-class infrastructure and facilities. The IATF2023 organisers, in close collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, are on track to promptly finalise the necessary arrangements and ensure that IATF2023 takes place as planned in excellent conditions.
