INVITATION TO THE INTRA- AFRICAN TRADE FAIR (IATF), 11-17 DECEMBER 2018,CAIRO, EGYPT

The recent successful launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has brought into focus the great potential for trade and economic development across Africa.

With this in mind, the African Exports- Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), in collaboration with the African Union (AU), will hold the first-ever Intra- Africa Trade Fair (IATF) on 11- 17 December 2018, in Cairo Egypt at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre. All AU member countries and their key companies are expected to participate. The IATF is the first major deliverable of the AfCFTA and will compromise three main components:
1. Country Pavilions to showcase policies, Investment opportunities and flagship industries as well as Small and Medium Enterprises in a manner that provides the greatest level of exposure at the Trade Fair. There will also be Pavilions for larger companies to show case their various products and services.
2. A B2B exchange platform where buyers and sellers (private or government entities) can meet to discuss and close business deals and seek advisory services, present and exchange information on their trade and investment as well as trade and economic- related infrastructure projects;
3. Conferences and workshops running alongside the exhibition, including among others: (i) an Intra-Africa Trade Finance and Payments Conference, which will feature a Presidential Panel, a Ministerial Session to discuss the ratification and implementation of the AfCFTA and the practical actions that need to be taken to boost intra-African trade and Leading African and International Institutions and Experts Sessions; (ii) Training Workshops for exporters and (iii) Seminar on Manufacturing and Industrialization.

In addition, there will also be an online Trade Information Portal, which will be a one stop shop for trade and investment opportunities in Africa. It will also be used to run a digital Trade Fair and will continue even after the Trade Fair concluded.

For more information about the IATF2018, including among others registration, setting- up of country pavilions and sponsorship details are available at: www.intrafricantradefair.com and additional inquires can be directed to the IATF event organisers at: bdo@zacci.co.zm and please cc mmasiri@intrafricantradefair.com/ +260 211 256 278 or Wise Banda at wisej.banda@gmail.com and +260974753160