Cross River State has secured the hosting rights for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2026, positioning Calabar as the next continental hub for trade, culture, and investment. The announcement was formalised in Algiers, Algeria, where Governor Bassey Edet Otu signed the host rights during the 5th Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement held on the sidelines of IATF 2025.
Governor Otu described the development as a milestone not only for Cross River State but also for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. “This is a profound honour for our state and a defining moment for Africa’s sub-sovereign governments,” he said. “Cross River is ready to lead Africa into a new era of trade and cooperation, where our local power fuels global impact.”
According to the governor, the 2026 edition of IATF in Calabar will highlight Africa’s ingenuity, heritage, and innovation. He noted, “We are prepared to host the world. In Calabar, you will encounter a city that is second to none in hospitality, culture, and tourism. We will deliver a trade fair that Africa will never forget, because it will showcase who we are and what we can achieve together.”
Governor Otu also praised the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank) for its role in supporting intra-African trade and in particular, the creative industries. He said, “Afrexim has shown tremendous leadership in standing behind Africa’s creative sector. They understand that our music, our film, our art, and our stories are not just cultural treasures, but economic powerhouses that can compete anywhere in the world.”
Highlighting the importance of sub-sovereign governments, Otu called on regional leaders to take responsibility for driving Africa’s economic growth. “The way forward is for governors and sub-national entities to be the transformers and architects of Africa’s future,” he said. “It is at this level that real impact is felt, and it is at this level that we can unlock the full promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
The governor assured that Cross River State would meet the demands of hosting a continental event of such scale. “We will prepare infrastructure, mobilise our private sector, and harness our people’s energy to ensure a successful hosting,” he stated. “Calabar will be ready — and we will exceed expectations.”
Economic observers have already described the hosting rights as a major diplomatic and economic win for Cross River State, with projections of billions in trade volumes, large-scale job creation, and renewed investor confidence. Analysts in Algiers pointed out that Calabar’s selection reflected both its historic importance as a hub of commerce and its reputation for hospitality.
Governor Otu concluded with a message of continental unity. “This is bigger than Cross River,” he affirmed. “This is about Africa telling its story, trading with itself, and building prosperity from within. The world is coming to Calabar in 2026, and we are ready to welcome them with open arms.”