Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, says the IATF2021 will explore business and investment opportunities enabled by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to accelerate Africa’s integration and industrialisation agenda.
He said this in a joint statement issued by Afreximbank, the African Union (AU) and the Government of Rwanda on Monday.
The statement also announced a new date for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2021).
The event which was scheduled for September 6 to 12 in Kigali, Rwanda had been rescheduled for December 8 to 14.
Obasanjo, the IATF2021 Advisory Council Chairman, said the new date would enable organisers to take stock of all the latest safety precautions.
He said it would also allow for wider roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and to put in place effective COVID-19 safety and prevention protocols.
He added that the new date would also give countries and businesses more time to prepare for IATF2021.
“Our intent is that all participants garner the full benefits of the abundant networking, trade and investment opportunities that will arise at IATF2021.
“In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of enthusiasm for the event.’’
He added that the extra time given for preparations and effective roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines would allow the trade fair to be held under favourable conditions.
Obasanjo also said that it would boost the confidence of participating governments, exhibitors, buyers, conference delegates and other visitors.
“IATF2021 will bring together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services.’’
The statement said the shift in date was made at the extraordinary meeting of the IATF2021 Advisory Council.
It added that the shift was to allow for a broader roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines across the continent and ensure that the event holds under the most optimal health conditions.
IATF2021 is being put together by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union and hosted by the Rwandan Government.
The fair is expected to play a crucial role in assisting and enabling businesses and corporate organisations across Africa to share trade and market information.
It would also handle and conclude business deals that are critical in supporting the implementation of the AfCFTA.
The statement said that the fair would focus on Africa’s creative economy and the automotive industry with dedicated programs.
It would also feature a conference which would run alongside the exhibition.
In addition to establishing a business-to-business and a business-to-government exchange platform for business deals and advisory services, the fair would also operate IATF2021 virtual, an interactive online platform accessible to all.
To register, delegates and exhibitors are to visit: www.intrafricantradefair.com
The first biennial IATF held in Egypt in 2018.
NAN
