Buy Africa Build Africa initiative unveiled by ACCI to promote African products and intra-continental trade during the 20th Abuja International Trade Fair
The Buy Africa Build Africa initiative, a bold new campaign to promote African-made products and drive intra-African trade, has been officially launched by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) as part of the upcoming 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF).
Set to run from September 25 to October 6, 2025, at the Chamber’s trade fair complex, the event will celebrate two decades of business engagement under the theme: “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives, and Taxation.”
Announcing the initiative, ACCI President Emeka Obegolu, represented by Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, emphasized the Chamber’s vision for a more self-reliant African economy.
“The 20th anniversary of the Abuja International Trade Fair is not just a celebration of longevity but a demonstration of the Chamber’s enduring commitment to promoting sustainable business growth,” Obegolu said.
He described the Buy Africa, Build Africa (BABA FEST) as more than a trade initiative—it is a movement to empower African entrepreneurs, showcase indigenous products, and reposition the continent as a hub for global trade and innovation.
BABA FEST will be a vibrant celebration of Africa’s creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural richness, featuring:
- Live music performances
- Fashion showcases
- Art exhibitions
- Investment forums
- Brand activations
Obegolu called it “a call to action for Africans to trade with Africa, invest in Africa, and build Africa.”
A Global Trade Platform
The **12-day fair will attract over 100,000 participants, including:
- Government agencies
- Diplomatic missions
- Multinational corporations
- Small and medium enterprises
- Development partners
- Fintech and green energy companies
- Artisans and creatives
Exhibitions will span agriculture, sustainable energy, transportation, fintech, environmental innovation, and the creative economy.
Key stakeholders expected at the event include:
- Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- National Council on Climate Change
- Relevant ministries, banks, and international agencies
Panel sessions will focus on policies to boost sustainability, unlock financing, and expand trade access for African entrepreneurs.
Over two decades, the Abuja International Trade Fair has:
- Hosted 2,500+ exhibitors from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas
- Facilitated billions in trade deals
- Partnered with over 40 diplomatic missions and trade development agencies
Obegolu urged businesses and policymakers to leverage this year’s edition as a strategic platform for shaping Africa’s economic future.
“This 20th edition is a strategic platform to shape a sustainable and prosperous economic future for Nigeria and Africa.”
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