IATF 2025: An export-ready platform for Malawi

The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is here again. Now in its fourth edition, the IATF has established itself as a premier platform for African countries to showcase their products, create partnerships, and unlock the continent’s trade potential. The fair presents significant trade opportunities, especially now with the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA has opened vast regional trade prospects, creating a unified market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of more than $3.5 trillion.

EDF officials interact with visitors at the Malawi Pavilion during the IATF 2023. l EDF

Malawi, like other developing nations, is actively striving to integrate into the global economy, and intra-African trade plays a crucial part in this endeavour. Our focus on integration, demands that we align ourselves with regional trade practices and take full advantage of the instruments available to us under frameworks like AfCFTA.

As a country, we must continue to actively participate in regional trade fairs and exhibitions not only to showcase our products and services but also to build networks with potential buyers and partners. These events provide opportunities for visibility, market access, and long-term trade relationships.

EDF officials interact with visitors at the Malawi Pavilion during the IATF 2023. l EDF

For Malawi, the IATF 2025 which is scheduled for September 4–10 in Algiers, Algeria is more than just another trade event. It is a strategic opportunity to engage with the unified African market and position our businesses for growth. But to truly seize this opportunity, we must address a critical challenge: the need for large-scale, export-ready production. Without it, we risk leaving behind untapped potential and missing out on the benefits of increased trade integration.

How we should approach IATF 2025?

The IATF is more than just a trade show; it is a platform for African countries to connect, collaborate, and catalyse trade. However, to make the most of this platform, Malawi must take a strategic approach to its participation. Large companies have a critical role to play. Their presence at the IATF can demonstrate Malawi’s potential to the world, attract buyers and investors, and create visibility for our export offerings.

Imagine the impact if Malawian companies showcased the high-quality, value-added products that we have like our aromatic Kilombero rice, coffee, tea, processed foods, textiles, and more. Time and again, we attend trade fairs like the IATF, generate interest, and even secure orders, only to fall short on delivery due to supply constraints.

The reality is that large-scale export orders require consistent supply, quality assurance, and the ability to meet regulatory and logistical demands. These are areas where more established companies often have an advantage to take interest in what the IATF offers. We are therefore encouraging medium to large scale industry players to seriously consider participating in the forthcoming IATF 2025.

One of the key features of the IATF is the trade and investment forum. For Malawian companies, this is not just another conference. It’s a space where you can hear directly from other African exporters, trade finance institutions, and policymakers about what it actually takes to move goods across borders under the AfCFTA. If you’ve ever struggled to understand how to meet export documentation requirements, access trade finance, or navigate customs procedures in other African countries, this forum is where those issues are unpacked in practical terms. It is a chance to learn from others who’ve done it.

Then, there’s the business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) matchmaking platform. For many exporters, one of the biggest challenges aside production, is finding reliable buyers. You may have the capacity to supply, but you don’t always know where the demand is or how to reach it. The IATF B2B platform helps to bridge that gap. It connects you with buyers and procurement agencies who are actively looking for various products.

Another important tool is the virtual trade fair booth. For many companies, attending a trade fair is a big investment. But what happens after the event? Often, the momentum fades. The IATF virtual booth helps extend the visibility of your company. Even if a buyer doesn’t meet you in person, they can still find your company profile, product catalogue, and contact details online for up to a year. This is especially useful for companies that are trying to build long-term relationships and want to stay accessible to regional buyers.

What are the opportunities?

For IATF 2025 the opportunities are endless. But let us start with Algeria the host. Algeria recorded over $42 billion in imports in 2024, and it is one of the continent’s largest importers. Yet, Malawi currently exports nothing or very little to this market. This is the starting point.

Based on recent research, here are three products with strong export potential to Algeria.

Groundnuts; a strong fit with growing demand

One of Malawi’s strongest export opportunities to Algeria is groundnuts. In 2024 Algeria imported groundnuts at a value of $93 million, according to data from the International Trade Centre Trade map.

Malawi is already an exporter of groundnuts. In 2023 the country exported groundnuts worth over $50 million. Players in the groundnuts value chain can explore further market opportunities in Algeria especially for varieties well-suited for edible and oil extraction purposes. There is growing demand for high-quality, non-roasted groundnuts, especially among food processors and snack manufacturers in Algeria.

Aromatic rice; a premium niche with promise

While Algeria’s rice imports are valued at around $151 million in 2024, the country is entirely dependent on external suppliers, as it does not grow rice domestically. This is a perfect opportunity for Malawi. Our Kilombero rice, which is known for its aroma and soft texture, could possibly appeal to Algeria’s premium consumers, particularly those seeking organic, Halal-certified, and ethically sourced products.

Even if it means capturing a small share of Algeria’s rice market of about one to two percent which translates to approximately $1.5to $3 million, would represent a meaningful export opportunity for Malawi. So, the IATF 2025 offers a timely opportunity to explore this niche further and engage with potential buyers.

Soybeans

Algeria imported over $713 million worth of soybeans in 2024, primarily for oil extraction and animal feed. Malawi does grow and export soybeans, though at smaller volumes and with variable quality. While we may not compete on a large scale, there is room to position non-GMO or specialty soybeans for smaller Algerian processors seeking traceable, ethically produced feedstock.

Beyond Algeria, more opportunities to explore through IATF

While Algeria is the host, the IATF is a continental platform. Exhibitors will meet buyers, investors, and partners from across Africa- from West African distributors to East African retailers and Southern African manufacturers. The fair is designed to facilitate intra-African trade, and Malawi must position itself to take full advantage of this.

The Export Development Fund stands ready to support companies that will secure export markets at the IATF with our export financing facilities.  But the first step is showing up with the right products and the right preparation.

If we want to move from visibility to actual trade, from interest to signed contracts, then we need to show up with the full weight of our export potential at the IATF 2025 and showcase our offer through the Malawi Country Pavilion. EDF and Malawi Investment and Trade Centre are ready to facilitate your participation at the Malawi Pavilion during the IATF 2025.

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