The African Development Bank Group is seizing on the continent's largest trade and investment gathering to spotlight the transformative potential of industrialization and regional integration for economic growth.

The fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), which opened yesterday in Algiers, Algeria, brings together more than 30,000 participants from 75 countries. It is expected to generate over $44 billion in trade and investment deals, potentially including some involving the Bank Group, a sponsor. The institution will also underscore its commitment to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

"The African Development Bank is proud to stand at the forefront of Africa's economic transformation," said Bank Group Director for industrial and trade development Ousmane Fall, who is heading of a ten-person delegation at the event.

The Bank will showcase flagship initiatives including the Africa investment Forum, which will hold its Market Days event in Rabat in November. Members of the Bank's team will also highlight its efforts to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strengthen value chains, and boost cross-border trade. These include the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative that attracts private investment and creates jobs in agriculture-linked industries, as well as regional value chain initiatives in textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and minerals beneficiation

"By investing in industries, infrastructure, and trade facilitation, we are enabling African economies to create jobs, add value locally, and compete globally. IATF2025 is the marketplace where Africa's vision of 'Made in Africa' becomes a global brand," Director Fall said.