Opening Impressions & CANEX at IATF 2025
Arriving in Algiers for the IntraAfrican Trade Fair (IATF 2025), I immediately felt the vibrancy of the CANEX (Creative Africa Nexus) event unfolding from September 4 to 10, 2025—a platform designed to unite creativity, culture, and commerce under the theme “One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World” cms.qa.canex.africa. The energy was palpable: creatives, celebrities from across Africa, and even American movie stars converging to explore the intersection of art and business.
THE OPENING CEREMONY AT CIC EVENT CENTRE
The first day’s opening ceremony at the CIC event centre was grand and deeply stirring. A highlight was the welcome address by the President of Algeria, who eloquently underscored the nation’s readiness to host IATF 2025 and its aspiration to harness the fair as a catalyst for economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange. His words brimmed with hope for intraAfrican collaboration and national prosperity.
Interview with Algerian Television: Economic and Social Impacts
Shortly after, I was invited for an interview with Algerian Television. In our conversation, I explored how IATF 2025 could bolster Algeria’s economy, amplify its visibility, and expand trade networks. I conveyed that with over 35,000 expected visitors from more than 140 countries and projected trade deals worth over US $44 billion, the event offers transformative opportunities for local businesses and global partnerships Embassy of The Hagueafreximbank.africa-newsroom.com
Automotive Industries Pavilion: Driving Africa’s Mobility
The automotive pavilion was a hive of ambition. Ghana and other African nations showcased efforts to scale up auto production. The presence of manufacturers, assemblers, and components suppliers underscored a growing vision: turning Africa into an automotive hub rather than a market—a vision catalysed by the fair’s Africa Automotive Show afreximbank.africa-newsroom.com+1
Warmth & Hospitality in Algiers
From the moment I landed, the hospitality of the Algerian people stood out. I was greeted with warmth—from hotel staff guiding me through the city, to locals helping with directions. It felt as if Algiers had rolled out a dignified, heartfelt welcome, making my work as a journalist feel not just safe, but at home.
Cultural Highlight: African Electric Guitar Exhibition
At the CANEX creative spaces, I was drawn to a fascinating booth showcasing the African electric guitar. To my delight, the Minister of Culture paused there, intrigued. I learned that the founder of this instrument aspires to name a special edition after the city of Algiers—a poetic gesture celebrating African innovation and cultural pride.
Remarkably Organized Event by Algerian Government
One cannot help but appreciate the seamless logistics of this event. From accreditation to transport, from exhibition layouts to program scheduling, the Algerian government, with Afreximbank and partners, had orchestrated an impeccably organized fair. The event radiated professionalism, intentionality, and continental pride.
Tourism: Algeria’s Next Frontier
In my observation, Algeria’s culture, landscape, and hospitality are ripe for tourism development. With progressive visa policies, marketing of heritage sites, and infrastructure investment, tourism could become a booming sector—one that IATF could help launch.
A Speeches That Echo: Former Nigerian President & Afreximbank
Another memorable moment was the speech by the former President of Nigeria—now chair of Afreximbank. He spoke passionately of the bank’s role in funding transformative projects, notably citing the Zimbabwe dam development valued at over US $700 million, a milestone highlighting Afreximbank’s continental impact.
Online Buzz & Media Coverage
Across Algerian TV, radio, and social media, IATF 2025 dominated discussions. Online reports celebrated the creative showcases, trade expos, and celebrity attendees. News outlets praised CANEX’s ability to spotlight the creative economy, while social media buzz highlighted the automotive and art innovations on display. (Note: Specific headlines not available at this moment, but coverage is clearly trending across platforms.
Adeyinka Ayinde
DOA Media