Less Than 15 Hours to Go: Exhibitors Race to Set Up Booths as 21st AITF Begins Friday
September 24, 2026
With less than 20 hours to the commencement of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) 2026, exhibitors are putting finishing touches to their stands and exhibition booths at the Trade Fair Complex in Abuja, signalling the readiness of the business community for one of Nigeria’s major annual trade and investment gatherings.
The 21st AITF, with the theme, “Resilience Trade, Taxation, and the Economy”, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), officially opens on Friday, September 25, and will run through October 6, 2026, offering 12 days of trade, business networking, investment opportunities, innovation, learning and commercial engagement.
Across the Trade Fair Complex, exhibitors are working against the clock to ensure their booths are ready to welcome visitors, prospective customers, investors, business partners and other participants when the Fair opens its doors.
For many exhibitors, particularly returning participants, the annual AITF represents more than an opportunity to display products and services. It is a strategic platform for expanding market reach, building business relationships, securing new customers and exploring commercial opportunities. For first-time exhibitors, the Fair provides an opportunity to connect with potential customers, investors and business partners, gain market visibility, establish valuable networks and explore new opportunities that can support their business growth and expansion.
Some exhibitors who spoke ahead of the opening said their continued participation reflects their determination to remain active in business despite the prevailing economic challenges.
They noted that rather than retreating in the face of difficult trading conditions, businesses must continue to innovate, connect with their markets and seek opportunities for growth.
For regular exhibitors, the AITF has also become an important part of their annual business calendar, providing opportunities to interact directly with consumers, fellow entrepreneurs, investors, distributors, government institutions and international business partners.
The 12-day Fair is expected to combine exhibition and commercial activities with a wide range of programmes designed to facilitate business development and engagement.
Participants will have access to Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, capacity-building and training sessions, business networking, a Dispute Resolution Settlement Clinic, policy and advocacy engagements with government agencies, as well as other business-focused activities.
The Fair will also feature a rich mix of entertainment and lifestyle activities, including the 12 Days of Jollof Rice, Miss AITF, fashion runway shows and other attractions designed to provide visitors with an engaging trade fair experience.
The AITF provides a meeting point for businesses across sectors to showcase their products and services, identify new markets, strengthen existing relationships and explore opportunities for collaboration.
With the countdown now entering its final hours, the stage is set for the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair 2026, underlining the resilience of businesses and the continuing importance of trade exhibitions as platforms for economic connectivity and enterprise development.
As exhibitors complete their preparations, the ACCI invites businesses, investors, consumers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, trade associations and the general public to participate fully in the 12-day event.
The message is clear: come to trade, connect, network, learn, discover and participate.
The 21st AITF is set to open its doors tomorrow.
Twelve days. One platform. Endless opportunities.
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI Media & Strategy Officer.
