L-R: Cross River State Gov. Senator Bassey Edet Otu, outgone AFREXIMBANK Chairman/CEO, Benedict Okey Orama and Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of the Intra-African Trade Bank
By Anietie Akpan
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 formalized in Algiers, Algeria, where Governor Bassey Edet Otu signed the host rights during the 5th Sub-Sovereign Business Engagement on the sidelines of IATF 2025.
Governor Otu described the development as a milestone not only for Cross River but for Nigeria and Africa at large. “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.”
The governor stressed that the 2026 edition in Calabar would reflect the best of Africa’s ingenuity, heritage, and innovation.
“We are prepared to host the world,” he declared, adding that, “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.”
Otu also praised the vision of Afrexim Bank in supporting intra-African trade and particularly the creative industries, which he called “Africa’s new goldmine.” According to him, “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 role of sub-sovereign governments, the governor urged regional leaders to embrace their responsibility in Africa’s 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.”
He assured that Cross River State would rise to the challenge of hosting a continental fair of such magnitude. “We will prepare infrastructure, mobilize our private sector, and harness our people’s energy to ensure a successful hosting,” Otu stated. “Calabar will be ready — and we will exceed expectations.”
Analysts have already described the hosting rights as a diplomatic and economic coup for Cross River State, with projections of billions in trade volumes, massive job creation, and renewed investor confidence. Observers in Algiers noted that Calabar’s selection reflected its historic role as a hub of commerce and its reputation for world-class hospitality.
Otu concluded with a call for unity across Africa. “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.”
