ACCI Announces 21st Trade Fair, Spotlighting Trade, Tax, and Economy

By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA – The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), which will run from September 25 to October 6, 2026 in Abuja. The event will focus on boosting trade, attracting investment and deepening policy discussions on taxation and the broader economy.

The Chamber said the fair will provide a major platform for businesses, investors, policymakers and development partners to address economic challenges, showcase innovations and explore growth opportunities across key sectors.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, First Deputy President of ACCI and Chairman of the 21st AITF Organising Committee, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, highlighted that the 2026 edition represents a milestone in the Chamber’s efforts to promote enterprise development and economic cooperation within Nigeria and beyond.

He noted that the trade fair has evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading multi‑sector platforms for trade and investment, drawing participants from across Africa and other parts of the world.

Adesugba explained that the theme, “Resilience: Trade, Taxation and the Economy”, reflects the realities of today’s global and domestic business environment, where companies face inflation, exchange‑rate volatility, supply‑chain disruptions and changing tax regimes.

“Businesses continue to navigate challenges arising from economic uncertainties, inflationary pressures, supply‑chain disruptions, exchange‑rate volatility, evolving tax regimes, and rapid technological transformation. The Fair will therefore provide a strategic platform for dialogue, innovation and collaboration aimed at strengthening business resilience and promoting sustainable economic growth,” he said.

“The 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair will focus on promoting trade and investment opportunities, facilitating discussions on taxation reforms and their impact on businesses, showcasing innovative products and technologies, strengthening Business‑to‑Business (B2B) and Business‑to‑Government (B2G) engagements, encouraging economic diversification, and providing a platform for policy advocacy between the private sector and government institutions,” he added.

He also disclosed that the fair is expected to host over 500 exhibitors, showcase more than 10,000 products and attract about 100,000 visitors over the 12‑day period, drawing local and international stakeholders including manufacturers, financial institutions, government agencies, diplomats and investors.

Earlier in his remarks, ACCI Director General Mr. Agabaidu Jideani said the trade fair has become one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting investment, innovation and regional economic cooperation.

He said the 21st edition reflects the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the private sector and driving sustainable economic growth in Nigeria and across Africa.

Jideani noted that the global business environment is becoming more complex, with rising uncertainty, technological disruptions and shifting tax regimes, and that businesses must adapt to remain competitive.

He added that the Chamber remains focused on policy advocacy aimed at improving the ease of doing business, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional and global markets.