By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
Special attention will be given to emerging financial technology, digital payments, taxation technology and sustainable transportation sectors as the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair is billed to take place between 21, September and 6, October, 2026.
Also, focus will be on food processing, environmental sustainability and other innovative solutions sectors that support inclusive economic growth and resilience.
The First Deputy President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Chairman of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) Organising Committee, Professor Adesoji Adesugba made the remarks at a press break Tuesday in Abuja while formally announcing the dates for the trade fair. The theme of the trade fair is “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy”.
He said the theme reflects the realities of today’s global and domestic business environment as businesses continue to navigate challenges arising from economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, exchange rate volatility, evolving tax regimes, and rapid technological transformation.
According to him, the fair will focus on promoting trade and investment opportunities, facilitating discussions on taxation reforms and their impact on businesses, showcasing innovative products and technologies, strengthening Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) engagements. It will also encourage economic diversification, and provide a platform for policy advocacy between the private sector and government institutions.
On participation, Professor Adesugba pointed out that this year’s edition is expected to host over 500 exhibitors, showcasing more than 10,000 products, solutions, and services, while attracting approximately 100,000 visitors and participants during the 12-day event.
Besides, he said, participants will include local and international businesses, manufacturers, financial institutions, government agencies, diplomatic missions, development organizations, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
The Chairman noted that the AITF remains committed to supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their critical role in job creation, innovation, and national economic development. He stressed that through exhibitions, networking opportunities, and market access initiatives, the Fair continues to empower businesses and foster sustainable growth.
According to him, as Nigeria’s premier trade and investment gathering in the Federal Capital Territory, the Abuja International Trade Fair remains a powerful catalyst for economic development, regional integration, and business expansion.
He therefore invites exhibitors, sponsors, investors, development partners, government agencies, diplomatic missions, and the public to participate in this landmark 21st edition and take advantage of the immense opportunities it offers.
He noted that beyond the exhibition, visitors and participants will enjoy several exciting side attractions designed to enhance networking, business visibility, cultural exchange, and entertainment. These include the Miss AITF 2026 Competition, which will crown the Abuja Trade Fair Queen and Buy Africa, Build Africa Festival (BABAFEST) AITF Weekend 2026, a groundbreaking cultural and economic showcase celebrating Africa’s creative industries, entrepreneurship, innovation, and intra-African trade.
Professor Adesugba explained that BABAFEST will feature live performances by leading African artistes, immersive art exhibitions, high-energy fashion shows, exclusive networking opportunities, and cutting-edge brand activations. The festival is designed to reinforce the importance of economic empowerment, investment, and sustainable development through the creative economy.
Professor Adesugba said this year’s Fair marks a significant 21 years milestone of promoting trade, investment, enterprise development, and economic cooperation noting that it has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost multi-sectoral trade and investment platforms, attracting businesses, investors, policymakers, development partners, and exhibitors from across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.
He encouraged businesses to participate in the fair because it offers unparalleled access to markets, customers, investors, government institutions, and strategic partners saying its central location in Nigeria’s capital city provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to connect with diverse audiences from across the country and beyond.
He said the fair also provides a dedicated platform for diplomatic missions and international organizations to showcase investment opportunities, technologies, and development initiatives.
Professor Adesugba appreciated AITF media partners for their continued support in promoting the Fair over the years and solicited their cooperation in disseminating information about this year’s edition to businesses, investors, sponsors, and the wider public.
Earlier, the Director General of ACCI, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani said over the years, the Abuja International Trade Fair has evolved into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting trade, investment, innovation, industrial development, and regional economic cooperation.
He noted that the 2026 is not merely being announced as another annual event, but reaffirming ACCI’s commitment to strengthening the private sector, creating business opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent.
According to him, ACCI carries out its mandate through four key Centres: the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, responsible for skills development and capacity building; the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC), which provides alternative dispute resolution services; the National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC), tasked with policy advocacy and reforms for ease of doing business; and the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), which drives B2B engagements, trade missions, and organizes the Chamber’s flagship programme, the Abuja International Trade Fair.
Some management of ACCI at the press briefing include Executive Director, ATF, Mr. Ezekwesili Nnamemeka Nnam, Director of ACCI Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, Dr Tinuke Temitope and ACCI General Council, Hajia Hauwa Usman amongst others.
