Latest news with #IATF2025
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Direct flights on the horizon: Africa and the Caribbean are ready for takeoff
Antigua and Barbuda are part of the Caribbean region. Image: Unsplash A new era of connectivity is on the verge of unfolding for African travellers seeking to explore the Caribbean. With efforts underway to establish direct flights between the continent and the region, prospects are looking bright. Reports from the Caribbean National Weekly Network indicate that this transformative milestone is a few months away, spurred by an increase in demand and strategic partnerships, particularly from Afreximbank. Earlier this month, a landmark non-stop flight from Nigeria to St. Kitts marked a significant step towards making these connections a reality. Following this inaugural journey, authorities are now in talks to introduce regular flight routes, beginning with a potential direct flight to Algeria for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) scheduled for September. Afreximbank's Caribbean office is eager to highlight that this initiative is not solely about tourism; it represents an expanding realm of trade, cultural exchange, and meaningful connections. The ambition is to create a robust Africa-Caribbean ecosystem where 'demand meets supply.' This vision encompasses not just the tourism sector but also the shipment of goods and the linking of diaspora markets. The Caribbean comprises a diverse array of nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, among others. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ South African travellers will be pleased to note that they can enjoy visa-free entry to several of these idyllic islands, such as St. Lucia and Grenada. However, those looking to visit other destinations in the Dutch Caribbean, including Aruba and Curaçao, will need to secure a visa beforehand. At present, South Africa does not boast any direct flights to the Caribbean. Popular non-direct routes currently available include connections from Cape Town International Airport to George Town Owen Roberts International Airport, and from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to both Kingston Norman Manley Airport and San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. As discussions progress towards establishing scheduled direct flights, the anticipation grows among intrepid South African travellers eager to experience the unique allure of Caribbean culture and beautiful landscapes.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Algeria deepens trade ties with other African countries as it gears up for Africa's biggest marketplace
Algeria is working towards increasing its share of trade with other African countries by tapping into opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). In a keynote address during the Algeria Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 Business Roadshow, Algeria's Minister of Foreign Trade and Export Promotion, H.E. Prof. Kamal Rezig stated that this includes enhancing continental connectivity through infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Sahara Highway and the Zouerate Road project linking the Tindouf border with Mauritania and the Nigeria-Algeria gas pipeline and fibre optic cable. 'In order to improve the business climate in Algeria, the State has endeavoured to ensure a stable, transparent, stimulating and attractive economic and institutional environment for investment. This is in addition to ensuring stability of legislation that regulates local and foreign investment, and simplifying administrative procedures, development and strengthening of the banking system, the capital market and the insurance sector, as well as development of human resources capabilities and skills, with the aim of adapting its economy to global transformations,' H.E. Rezig said, adding that besides developing key sectors, the country is also promoting exports in the continent within the framework of AfCFTA. In 2024, Algeria's share of total intra-African trade stood at 2.2%, marginally growing from 1.9% in 2022, according to African Trade Report 2025 ( Mineral fuels and oils make up 91.5% of its exports. The country's top-five African export partners in 2023 based on volumes are Tunisia (70.7%), South Africa (6.7%), Cote d'Ivoire (3.6%), Nigeria (3.1%) and Senegal (2.7%) states the Country at a Glance: Algeria 2024 report ( while its top-five import partners are Mauritania (38.8%), Tunisia (32.7%), Cote d'Ivoire (9%), Morocco (6%) and Uganda (2.2%). The Algeria IATF2025 Business Roadshow focused on promoting intra-African trade, bringing together government officials, the trade community, including businesses, investors, and executives from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Hosted by Afreximbank, in collaboration with the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, the roadshow was one of the five roadshows hosted in key cities including Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Lagos in the run up to the fourth edition of IATF, Africa's premier trade and investment event that is held biennially, scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025 hosted by the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. IATF provides a platform for businesses to showcase goods and exchange trade and investment information within the continent's single market. The Chairman of IATF2025 Advisory Council and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo said that intra-African trade presents a huge opportunity for African economies to enhance their resilience in today's rapidly changing world. 'Through the IATF, the largest, go-to trade and investment fair on the continent, Africa needs to join hands and build on the gains that have been achieved so far in promoting trade with itself under the AfCFTA framework. AfCFTA provides an opportunity for the continent to achieve economic emancipation and self-reliance and build the Africa We Want. This will help unlock the continent's vast potential while accelerating industrialisation and job creation,' H.E. Obasanjo added. The past three editions of IATF have attracted over 70,000 participants and 4,500 exhibitors, and hosted buyers and sellers from over 130 countries, generating more than $100 billion in trade and investment deals. This provides a glimpse of the immense potential that exists for intra-African trade and investment. Afreximbank's Executive Vice-President, Intra-African Trade&Export Development, Mrs Kanayo Awani noted that whereas conventional wisdom attributes Africa's low intra-continental trade to infrastructure deficits, a more fundamental barrier is the lack of access to trade and market information. 'Afreximbank launched the IATF —not merely as an exhibition but as a marketplace for the AfCFTA and a platform to close the trade information gap. Since its inception in 2018, IATF has held three resoundingly successful fairs. In these fairs, Algeria showed up strongly and directly benefited from facilitated trade and investment deals worth over $2 billion. Now, Algeria has the opportunity to host the fourth edition. As Africa's largest country by land and the fourth-largest economy by GDP, Algeria has both the duty and the opportunity to lead. Algeria's competitive advantages—energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, financial services, light manufacturing, ICT, and automotive assembly—are all primed for scale and export across the continent,' Mrs Awani said. She challenged businesses and government agencies in Algeria and the North African region to take centre stage at IATF2025, where over 2,000 exhibitors from Africa and beyond will showcase their products to more than 35,000 visitors and buyers from over 140 countries, resulting in trade and investment deals in excess of US$44 billion. IATF2025 will feature a trade exhibition by countries and businesses; and the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme spotlighting cultural industries with a dedicated exhibition and summit on fashion, music, film, arts and craft, sports, literature, gastronomy and culinary arts. It will also include a four-day Trade and Investment Forum featuring leading African and international speakers; and the Africa Automotive Show for auto manufacturers, assemblers, original equipment manufacturers and component suppliers. Special Days will highlight countries, public and private sector entities, tourism, cultural attractions, and Global Africa Day celebrating ties with the African diaspora. Additional activities include business-to-business and business-to-government matchmaking, the AU Youth Start-Up programme, the Africa Research and Innovation Hub, and the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) to promote local trade and cultural exchanges. The IATF Virtual platform is also live, connecting exhibitors and visitors year-round. Planning for IATF2025 is in top gear with significant progress made in ensuring a seamless logistical experience and delivering a successful event. The theme of Algeria IATF2025 Business Roadshow was 'Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa's Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA'. It was also attended by H.E Ms. Baleka Mbete, the founder of NaLHISA and former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa; H.E Zitouny El-Tayeb, Minister of Internal Trade; H.E. Selma Mansouri, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in charge of African Affairs; H.E. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment and Acting Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals; and Mr. Jean Louis-EKRA, former President of Afreximbank and Deputy Chair of the Intra-African Trade Fair Advisory Council. To participate in IATF2025 please visit Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media contact: media@ press@ About the Intra-African Trade Fair: Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent's transformation through industrialisation and export development.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's role in the African Continental Free Trade Area: opportunities ahead
The Intra-Africa Trade Fair Roadshow that was held in Johannesburg recently. Image: Afreximbank South Africa is set to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming its commitment to harness its immense potential for driving local business growth and enhancing regional integration. This sentiment was echoed by Humphrey Nwugo, the Regional Director (Southern Africa) at Afreximbank, during the opening of the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow in Johannesburg, where he urged the nation to spring into action. Nwugo said, 'This is the time for South Africa's public and private sectors to be strategically positioned to seize the immense opportunities that IATF2025 will present,' emphasising the need for immediate and decisive engagement. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), scheduled to take place in Algiers from 4–10 September 2025, is anticipated to be a landmark event—providing a gateway to unprecedented trade and investment opportunities across the continent. Nwugo further outlined South Africa's integral role in African integration, praising its robust economic foundations, entrepreneurial dynamism, and institutional capacity, which place it in a prime position to entwine itself within African value chains. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Speaking on the event's significance, Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, pointed to the pressing need for IATF2025 amid a backdrop of global instability and dynamic trade landscapes. 'Despite these headwinds, Africa has the capacity to navigate the challenges, accelerate industrial development, and realise the vision of a fully integrated continent.' Mene underscored the urgency of cultivating regional value chains in sectors such as automotive and agribusiness, where there is considerable scope for fostering inclusive growth. Sihle Zikalala, deputy minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, said South Africa's participation in the AfCFTA represents a historic opportunity to weave stronger economic ties with neighbouring nations. 'We view the AfCFTA as a catalyst for expanding market access for our goods and services while nurturing inclusive, job-rich growth,' Zikalala said. At the heart of this discourse was a vision that IATF2025 should transcend its role as merely a marketplace, transforming instead into a strategic tool for bolstering policy and practical integration. Zikalala said, 'through partnerships and public-private collaboration, we can develop world-class infrastructure across Africa while reducing our reliance on foreign exchange by trading in our own currencies.' Over 350 business leaders, policymakers, and investors convened at the Roadshow, contextualised under the theme: 'Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa's Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA.' The event's agenda spotlighted strategies focused on enhancing resilient supply chains while amplifying intra-African trade—a critical element for unlocking tailored industrial opportunities across the continent. According to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and UN COMTRADE, South Africa's robust trade activities recorded merchandise exports worth $110.5 billion against imports of $113.2 billion in 2023. Despite a modest trade deficit of $2.7 billion, trade constituted 65.7% of GDP, illuminating South Africa's deep-rooted integration within global markets. Afreximbank's 2024 African Trade Report highlighted that South Africa exported $29.6 billion to African partners while importing $9.6 billion, with intra-African exports making up 26.8% of the total exports.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa Accelerates Drive to Expand Intra-African Trade through African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to unlock new growth opportunities for local businesses and strengthen regional integration. Opening the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow in Johannesburg, Mr. Humphrey Nwugo, Regional Director (Southern Africa) at Afreximbank ( emphasised the urgency of mobilising concrete action. 'This is the time to ensure that South Africa's public and private sectors are not only present but strategically positioned to seize the immense opportunities that IATF2025 will present.' Mr. Nwugo underscored South Africa's pivotal role in the continent's integration journey, citing its strong economic foundations, entrepreneurial energy, and institutional capacity - well positioned to integrate into African value chains. 'We are here to invite South Africa to lead. We want to see the country's private sector on full display in Algiers,' he added. The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025), set to take place in Algiers from 4–10 September 2025, is poised to be a landmark market event and gateway to unprecedented trade and investment prospects across Africa. E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, highlighted the critical importance of IATF2025, taking place amid global instability, climate change, and shifting trade dynamics. 'Despite these headwinds, Africa has the capacity to navigate the challenges, accelerate industrial development, and realise the vision of a fully integrated continent,' he said. He stressed the urgency of building regional value chains in sectors like automotive and agribusiness, which offer vast potential for inclusive growth. Strengthening these interconnected ecosystems will support technology transfer, diversify intra-African trade, and create new opportunities for small and medium enterprises across the continent. Speaking at the event, the Honourable Sihle Zikalala, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, noted South Africa's strong positioning to drive industrialisation, innovation, and regional value chain development. 'South Africa views the AfCFTA as a historic opportunity to deepen economic ties with our neighbours, expand market access for our goods and services, and promote inclusive, job-rich growth,' said Minister Zikalala. 'The IATF2025 must be viewed as more than just a marketplace, and rather as a strategic tool for implementation, where policy meets practice. South Africa has a critical role to play in driving this vision, underpinned by entrepreneurial spirit, institutional strength, and a dynamic SMME ecosystem. Through partnerships and public-private collaboration, we can develop world-class infrastructure across Africa while reducing our reliance on foreign exchange by trading in our own currencies,' he added. H.E Ms. Baleka Mbete, founder NaLHISA and former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa was also in attendance. The Roadshow convened over 350 business leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors, as well as senior representatives from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission (AUC), and the AfCFTA Secretariat. Themed "Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa's Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness under the AfCFTA," the event spotlighted strategies to build resilient supply chains and boost intra-African trade. Accelerating intra-African trade is pivotal to unlocking industrial opportunities tailored to the continent's strengths. It reduces dependence on external markets, builds economic resilience, and enables value addition within Africa. When African nations trade more with one another, they retain more wealth, create higher-quality jobs, and foster inclusive growth through regional value chains. With the AfCFTA creating a single market of 1.4 billion people, Africa gains the scale and efficiency needed to compete globally. A stronger internal market also improves the continent's bargaining power in international negotiations, strengthens its integration into global supply chains, and sets the stage for long-term economic transformation. South Africa's strong industrial base, advanced financial sector, and world-class infrastructure position it as a regional anchor for AfCFTA implementation. According to South African Revenue Service (SARS) and UN COMTRADE, South Africa recorded merchandise exports of $110.5 billion and imports of $113.2 billion in 2023, resulting in a modest trade deficit of $2.7 billion. Trade made up 65.7% of GDP (World Bank, 2023), demonstrating South Africa's deep integration into global markets. Notably, intra-African trade remained a national strength. As reported in Afreximbank's 2024 African Trade Report, South Africa exported $29.6 billion and imported $9.6 billion from African partners, with intra-African exports comprising 26.8% of total exports. Key sectors such as automotive, agro-processing, and financial services are already benefiting and poised to grow further through regional integration and value chain expansion. Dr. Gainmore Zanamwe, Director, Trade Facilitation and Investment Promotion, Afreximbank, highlighted ongoing efforts to enable seamless intro-Africa trade: 'Afreximbank is deeply committed to unlocking Africa's industrial and trade potential by building enabling ecosystems from financing to infrastructure and standards. Through platforms like the Africa Trade Gateway and Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), we are removing long-standing barriers to intra-African trade, allowing businesses to transact in local currencies and access real-time market intelligence.' Dr. Zanamwe also emphasised the growing role of South Africa and Algeria in regional value chains, especially in manufacturing and automotive sectors. He encouraged South African companies to participate actively in IATF2025, pointing to over $13 billion in EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts facilitated by Afreximbank. He also highlighted funding vehicles such as the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the Africa Direct Investment Initiative, and the $2 billion Export Agriculture for Food Security programme. 'IATF2025 is not just an exhibition - it's a business gateway. With 2,000+ exhibitors, 35,000 visitors, and 140+ participating countries, we project over $44 billion in trade and investment deals. This is South Africa's opportunity to lead,' he said. In closing, H.E. Ambassador Ali Achoui, Algeria's Ambassador to South Africa, extended a warm invitation to South African businesses: 'Welcome to Algeria - a country with the third-largest GDP in Africa, no external debt, and ranked first in Africa and the Arab world in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are proud to host IATF2025 and are committed to facilitating streamlined visa processes by reducing documentation requirements to ease access for all African participants.' Since 2018, IATF has secured more than $100 billion in trade deals, welcomed over 70,000 visitors, more than 4500 exhibitors and has become Africa's most influential trade and investment platform. The event will feature: A trade exhibition The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) showcase of fashion, music, film, sports, gastronomy, arts and craft, and literature A four-day Trade and Investment Forum The Africa Automotive Show Special Country Days and Global Africa Day celebrations B2B and B2G matchmaking The AU Youth Start-Up programme The Africa Research&Innovation Hub AfSNET to promote sub-national trade and cultural exchange IATF virtual. To register for IATF2025 or learn more, please visit: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media Contact: media@ press@ About the Intra-African Trade Fair: Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is designed to boost intra-African trade and investment. It provides a unique platform for businesses to connect, exchange trade and market information, and explore opportunities to scale across Africa. IATF is open to African and global companies committed to supporting the continent's industrialisation and transformation. About The Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC): JTC, the official sponsor of the IATF2025 South Africa Business Roadshow, is focused on promoting Johannesburg as a business and leisure destination and often supports various events within the city.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Afreximbank's Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) unveils third edition of short film competition
Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) ( has announced the third edition of its vibrant short film competition, CANEX Shorts, that is designed to recognise and celebrate talents of young filmmakers from Africa and the Diaspora. Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition's three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation. To be eligible, they must be Africans living on the continent, in the diaspora or the Caribbean. Each filmmaker can only enter one film for which they must hold all rights. The entered films should have been produced in 2023 or after and can be in any language. Besides the cash prize, CANEX Shorts winners will also get an opportunity to participate and have their films screened at CANEX at IATF2025, which will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025. This will also provide them with a chance to connect with potential investors and partners in what has become the largest gathering of creatives on the continent. To enter the competition, filmmakers are required to submit their films, not more than five minutes long, via the Film Freeway digital platform ( From all entries, the selection committee will curate a shortlist of 30 films - 10 films per category for submission to the jury that comprises, well-respected film experts from across the continent. The jury will then select a winning film in each of the categories during CANEX at IATF2025. The 2024 CANEX shorts winners were unveiled at CANEX WKND 2024. The winning films were: Silent Screams by Esenaga Mbwe (Botswana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Fiction category; We Shall Not Forget by Brian Obra (Kenya) in the CANEX Shorts Best Documentary category; and Room-5 by Francis Y. Brown (Ghana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Animation category. According to the jury, the quality of films submitted during CANEX WKND 2024 was exceptionally high, necessitating award of two Special Mentions: Vodoun Nouminssin and Rain Is Not the Cloud's Last Parade. CANEX at IATF2025, where the winners will be unveiled, will provide a unique platform for nurturing business, investment opportunities, collaboration, partnerships and inspiration amongst the creatives fraternity across value chains of diverse creative and cultural industries from film, music, and fashion to culinary arts, sports, and visual arts amongst others. The event participants will include creatives, policymakers, financial institutions, business and political leaders, development partners, thought leaders as well as some of the most respected names in the Creative and Cultural Industries from across the continent and the diaspora. Highlighting the importance of the competition, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank said: 'Africa's film industry, estimated at over $5 billion is thriving and brimming with untapped potential,' adding, 'At Afreximbank, we are committed to unlocking this immense value by supporting platforms like CANEX Shorts that aim to propel African storytelling to the global stage. By investing in our creatives, we are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities; we're actively ensuring Africa's vibrant culture and talents gain global recognition.' To enter the 2025 CANEX Shorts competition, please visit Filmfreeway: To register to attend CANEX at IATF for free: ( Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. About CANEX: Given the relevance and opportunities provided by the creative economy as a key driver for development and job creation, Afreximbank has developed the Creative Africa Nexus programme to facilitate the development and growth of the creative and cultural industries in Africa and the diaspora. The initiative provides a range of financing and non-financing instruments /interventions aimed at supporting and developing Africa's production, trade, and investment in the creative sector. The key strategic objectives under the CANEX Programme include increasing Africa's share of global cultural trade flows through trade and investment promotion activities, deploying specialized financial products to support the CCI ecosystem, facilitating technical capacity programs that enable export-grade production, facilitating market access to high-value demand hubs (through partnerships) and advocating for harmonized regulatory reform, especially concerning IP rights and incentives About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank's total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. About the Intra-African Trade Fair: Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent's transformation through industrialisation and export development.
