LCCI Targets Over 1 Million Visitors for Landmark 40th Lagos International Trade Fair
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has officially set the stage for a landmark moment in African commerce with the unveiling of plans for the 40th edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF). Unveiled by Princess Layo Bakare Okeowo, Vice President of LCCI and Chairman of the LCCI Trade Promotion Board, during a press conference at Commerce House, Victoria Island, the 10-day event will run from Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS). Spanning over 20,000 square meters, this milestone edition aims to host more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 20 nations and welcome upward of one million visitors under a complete free-entry model backed by robust private and public security architecture.
Marking four decades of uninterrupted business networking, the 2026 fair signals a pivotal strategic shift from a traditional consumer-focused bazaar to a high-value merchandise and deal-making exposition. At the core of this transition are dedicated Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) lounges managed by Compass Global Business and Services, designed to connect bulk buyers, institutional investors, and global manufacturers directly. Complementing this structural evolution are upgraded attraction centers across the venue: a centrally located Tech Hub within the International Hall showcasing ICT and telecom innovations, an expanded Children’s Corner sponsored by Tolaram Group, and the return of the Entertainment Village, managed by Creative Industry Power (CIP) to merge commerce with culture across eight vibrant days.
Underscoring its expanding regional footprint, the LCCI is utilizing its long-standing Africa Hall initiative to champion intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). In collaboration with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), LITF 2026 will serve as the primary launchpad to promote the upcoming Inter-African Trade Fair (IATF2027), scheduled to be hosted in Nigeria for the first time next year. This continent-wide vision of borderless trade is further strengthened by Zenith Bank Plc, which has renewed its multi-year partnership as the official Banker of the Fair, providing seamless cross-border payment platforms to simplify multi-currency transactions for African entrepreneurs and startups.
Nigeria’s corporate heavyweights and indigenous industry titans are mobilizing significant resources to drive participation and enterprise growth at the anniversary fair. The Dangote Group will showcase its vast industrial ecosystem—spanning its refinery, fertilizer, sugar, and polypropylene divisions—while opening doors for strategic co-investments across its pan-African footprint. Concurrently, Leadway Assurance is deploying custom, low-cost risk management products curated specifically for exhibiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while indigenous energy leader BOVAS and Company Limited will leverage its 45-year milestone to feature its nationwide compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) conversion solutions.
The event’s global stature and sector diversity are further amplified by major international delegations and co-located industrial expos. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) returns for its 11th consecutive year, featuring a dedicated Japan Pavilion with 30 companies alongside a three-day “Super Japan” pop-culture showcase centered on gaming, manga, and animation. Additionally, DCS Integrated Media will co-locate the International Paper, Printing and Publishing Expo from November 9 to 13, while the Creative Industry Group’s “Cifest” brings over 50 performing artists to the TBS Cricket Pitch. With His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu invited to declare the fair open and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set to deliver the closing address, the 40th LITF reinforces its status as Sub-Saharan Africa’s premier stage for trade, innovation, and international economic connection.
