The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has targeted 100,000 participants and 500 exhibitors in the forthcoming 21st edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF).
The event is scheduled to hold from September 25 to October 6, 2026, under the theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy.”
The trade fair is a strategic platform for promoting investment, strengthening business networks, and addressing emerging economic challenges.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the 1st Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of the 21st AITF Organising Committee, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the fair would bring together businesses, investors, policymakers, development partners and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.
According to Adesugba, the 2026 edition is expected to feature more than 500 exhibitors, over 10,000 products and services, and approximately 100,000 participants, making it one of the largest trade and investment gatherings in the country.
He explained that the theme was carefully selected to address current economic realities, particularly the intersection of trade, taxation, and economic resilience, while encouraging innovation, policy engagement, and strategic partnerships.
“The Abuja International Trade Fair continues to serve as a critical platform for connecting businesses, facilitating investments, and promoting economic transformation.
This year’s edition will focus on practical solutions that can strengthen resilience within Nigeria’s economy and support sustainable growth,” he said.
Adesugba disclosed that the fair would feature a broad range of activities, including exhibitions, Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings, investment forums, and sector-specific showcases.
He noted that emerging industries such as financial technology, digital payments, taxation technology, and sustainable transportation would receive significant attention during the event as organisers seek to highlight innovation-driven sectors shaping the future economy.
In a move aimed at broadening participation and promoting Africa’s creative industries, the Organising Committee also announced two new attractions for the 2026 edition: the maiden Miss AITF 2026 Beauty Pageant and the BABAFEST AITF Weekend (Buy Africa, Build Africa Festival).
According to Adesugba, the initiatives are designed to support the continent’s creative economy, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and attract a wider audience to the fair.
ACCI Director-General, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, described the Abuja International Trade Fair as one of Nigeria’s leading trade and investment platforms, stressing its role in advancing private-sector development and fostering economic prosperity.
Jideani reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to improving the business environment and creating opportunities for enterprises to thrive.
He said the 2026 edition had been carefully structured to provide practical business solutions, stimulate innovation, and strengthen collaboration among businesses, government institutions, investors, and development partners.
“The Abuja International Trade Fair remains a vital platform for business growth and investment promotion. This year’s event is designed not only to showcase products and services but also to generate meaningful conversations and partnerships that will contribute to sustainable economic development,” he stated.
The Director-General also commended members of the Organising Committee for their efforts and dedication toward delivering a world-class event.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Abuja Trade Centre (ATC), Dr. Johnson Anene, highlighted the importance of media support in ensuring the success of the fair.
He called on journalists and media organisations to intensify awareness campaigns and provide extensive coverage before and during the event.
According to Anene, greater publicity would attract more exhibitors, investors, and visitors, thereby boosting commercial activities within the Federal Capital Territory and contributing to national economic growth.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Executive Director of the Abuja Trade Centre, Mr. Ezekwesili Nnaemeka, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation ahead of the event.
He revealed that more than 75 per cent of the available indoor exhibition spaces had already been booked, indicating strong interest from businesses and organisations seeking to participate in the fair.
Nnaemeka added that demand for outdoor exhibition spaces continued to rise and expressed confidence that the innovative additions to the programme, particularly the Miss AITF 2026 Beauty Pageant, would contribute to making the forthcoming edition one of the most successful in the history of the trade fair.
“The response from exhibitors has been encouraging, and preparations are progressing smoothly. With the level of interest already recorded and the introduction of new features, we are optimistic that this year’s fair will surpass previous editions in terms of participation and impact,” he said.
The press briefing was attended by members of the ACCI management team and senior officials of the Abuja Trade Centre, including Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Director of the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre; Hajiya Hauwa Usman, General Counsel; Mr. Murtala Mahmoud, Deputy Director of the BEST Centre; Mr. Emenghinike Okeoji, Chief Accountant; as well as officials from the Chamber’s Media Unit.
ACCI renewed its invitation to exhibitors, sponsors, investors, diplomatic missions, government agencies, development organisations, and members of the public to participate in the landmark event.
The Chamber said the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair would provide a unique opportunity to promote business growth, stimulate investment, strengthen trade partnerships, and contribute to building a more resilient Nigerian economy amid evolving global economic conditions.
