Businesses to explore new markets as ACCI unveils 21st Abuja international trade fair

The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced plans for the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, urging businesses, investors, and development partners to leverage the platform to explore new markets, deepen partnerships, and expand trade opportunities.

 

 

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Adesoji Adesugba,1st deputy president of ACCI and Chairman, Organising Committee of the fair, said the 2026 edition of the fair is scheduled to hold from September 25 to October 6, 2026, at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry Trade Fair Complex in Abuja.

 

 

Adesugba said the fair, themed “Resilience, Taxation and the Economy,” marks the 21st anniversary of the Abuja International Trade Fair, describing it as a major milestone in the promotion of trade, investment, enterprise development, and economic cooperation in Nigeria and beyond.

 

“The theme for the 2026 edition, Resilience,

Trade, Taxation, and the Economy, reflects the realities of today’s global and domestic business environment.

 

“Businesses continue to navigate challenges arising from economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, exchange rate volatility, evolving tax regimes, and rapid technological transformation,” he said

 

 

He noted that over the past two decades, the fair has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading multi-sectoral trade and investment platforms, attracting exhibitors, policymakers, investors, and development partners from across Africa and other parts of the world.

 

According to him, the 2026 edition will provide a strategic platform for dialogue on taxation reforms, innovation, and business resilience amid rising economic challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, exchange rate volatility, and technological transformation.

 

 

The event is expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors showcasing over 10,000 products and services, while attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors over the 12-day period.

 

 

He noted that participants will include local and international businesses, government agencies, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, and development organisations.

 

Adesugba further explained that the fair will focus on promoting trade and investment opportunities, enhancing business-to-business and business-to-government engagements, encouraging economic diversification, and advancing policy dialogue between the private sector and government.

 

 

“The fair will therefore provide a strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration aimed at strengthening business resilience and promoting sustainable economic growth,” he stated

 

 

Highlighting special features of the 2026 edition, he said attention will be given to emerging sectors such as fintech, digital payments, taxation technology, sustainable transportation, food processing, and environmental sustainability.

 

Beyond exhibitions, the fair will also include side attractions such as the Miss AITF 2026 competition and BABAFest AITF Weekend, a cultural and economic showcase designed to promote Africa’s creative industries, entrepreneurship, innovation, and intra-African trade.

 

Also speaking at the briefing, Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of ACCI, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening private sector growth and improving Nigeria’s investment climate.

 

He said the trade fair remains a critical platform for policy advocacy, business networking, and economic development, adding that it aligns with ACCI’s mandate to support enterprise development, ease of doing business, and market expansion.

 

Jideani commended the organising committee for its efforts in planning the 21st edition of the fair, noting that it would set new standards for trade exhibitions in Nigeria.

 

 

“As we prepare for the 21st edition, we are not merely announcing another annual event. We are reaffirming our commitment to strengthening the private sector, creating business opportunities, and driving sustainable economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent.

 

“The global economy continues to evolve rapidly, presenting both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Economic uncertainties, shifting tax regimes, technological disruptions, and changing global trade dynamics demand that businesses become more innovative, competitive, and resilient,” he said