Zimbabwe Eyes Trade Boost at IATF2025 in Algiers

5 June 2025

By Andile Vundla

Zimbabwe officially launched its preparatory campaign for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) today during a stakeholder engagement in Bulawayo, signalling a major step in positioning the country as a key player in African trade.

The IATF is scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 to 10 September 2025.

The event brought together public and private sector players committed to driving export growth and improving Zimbabwe’s presence on the continental trade stage.

ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Allan Majuru called for a renewed national effort to increase intra-African trade, which currently makes up less than 15% of the continent’s total trade volume. He noted that Africa’s US$3.5 trillion market presents an untapped opportunity for Zimbabwean products and services.

“Zimbabwe’s share of the intra-African trade is relatively low, but that also presents an opportunity, and that’s the reason why we are here. The market possesses a business worth $3.5 trillion combined, and we are here today to make sure that we position Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s top source markets.

I think for us, we have managed to book space already, and we are in the process of mobilizing companies to participate at the fair in September and we are hoping to take a contingent of 30 companies and we hooe that the bulk of the companies are going to come from Bulawayo,” he stated.

Also addressing the gathering, Algerian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Mohamed Seoudi, described the IATF as a unique and strategic platform to advance the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). He reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to supporting intra-African trade, leveraging strong diplomatic ties to foster deeper economic cooperation.

Ambassador Seoudi further detailed Algeria’s extensive preparations to host over 140 countries and 2,000 exhibitors, showcasing various sectors including agriculture, clean technology, infrastructure, and mining. He highlighted the various components of the fair, such as B2B and B2G platforms, a Creative Africa Nexus for arts and culture, and programs for youth startups and innovation.

This year’s IATF is expected to feature over 2,000 exhibitors, attract more than 35,000 visitors, and draw participation from over 140 countries , including major trading partners outside Africa.

Zimbabwe’s delegation will seek to leverage the event to unlock new export markets, build strategic partnerships, and boost the country’s visibility under the AfCFTA framework.