On June 10, 2025, Gabriel Edgal, IATF Ambassador and Chairman of Oakwood Green Africa, welcomed attendees to the IATF2025 Ghana business engagement session held at the Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast City, Accra.
The event, jointly organised by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat and Afreximbank, aimed to galvanise business participation for the upcoming Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) scheduled to take place from September 4 to 10 in Algiers, Algeria.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Edgal emphasised Accra’s historical significance as a catalyst for continental progress, drawing on the legacy of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the present-day policy innovations that continue to shape Africa’s journey. He described the gathering as a vital step toward preparing institutions and businesses for the IATF, which is expected to host over 2,000 exhibitors and attract around 35,000 visitors, with projected trade and investment deals exceeding $44 billion.
“This Business Engagement Session is part of a series of roadshows across the continent, transforming conversations into actionable plans,” Edgal stated.
He underscored the theme of the session, “Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA,” reiterating the importance of fostering intra-African trade.
Highlighting the current global economic climate marked by rising protectionism, Mr. Edgal called for deliberate efforts to enhance trade among African nations.
“We need to create interconnected prosperity, trade among ourselves, build with ourselves, and grow for ourselves,” he urged.
He provided tangible examples of successful regional partnerships, such as Rwanda’s collaboration with Kenya’s Brookside Dairy to source milk locally, and Zambia’s Zambeef exporting poultry and beef to the DRC. These instances serve as proof that African enterprises can effectively support one another and reduce reliance on external imports.
Mr. Edgal also pointed out Ghana’s strategic geographical position as a transhipment hub, encouraging local businesses in logistics, insurance, and finance to seize the opportunities presented by the IATF.
He said, “This is your moment to connect ports and optimise inland routes,” urging financial institutions to develop innovative products catering to the burgeoning intra-African trade landscape.
The event also aimed to inspire creatives and entrepreneurs, providing a platform for innovation and showcasing Africa’s cultural and economic potential through initiatives like the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX). Mr. Edgal emphasised the significance of collaboration and partnerships, asking attendees to consider how they can contribute to the collective growth and prosperity of the continent.
In conclusion, he reiterated the urgency of action, stating, “The best time to act was yesterday. The second-best time is now.” He encouraged all participants to engage fully, plan strategically, and prepare to make their mark at IATF2025.
“Let us go to Algeria together. Let us show what we have. Let us create collective prosperity for all of Africa.” Concluded Ambassador Edgal.
His address set the tone for an engaging session, where participants were encouraged to explore innovative solutions and partnerships that could drive economic growth.
