Governor Bassey Otu has announced that Cross River State will host the 2026 Intra-African Trade Fair, a milestone he described as a game-changer for the state’s economy. Speaking on arrival at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar after leading a delegation to the 5th Afreximbank Sub-Sovereign Governments Network Business Forum in Algiers, Algeria, the governor said the event will unlock vast opportunities in trade, tourism, and investment.
According to Otu, hosting the continental fair will not only attract global investors but also stimulate job creation and expand market access for Cross River’s agricultural and industrial sectors. He stressed that preparations would begin early to ensure world-class delivery, with a special focus on showcasing the state’s cultural heritage and agricultural strength to a continental audience.
“The fair will reposition Cross River as a major player in Africa’s economic landscape,” the governor said, noting that the event would open new investment streams, boost tourism, and strengthen trade ties across Africa.
Organized by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union, the Intra-African Trade Fair is regarded as the continent’s leading platform for promoting intra-African commerce and investment. The 2026 edition, awarded to Cross River, is expected to draw international attention and spotlight the state’s untapped economic potential.
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