The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is gearing up for the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), taking place from November 1 to 10 at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos. In a bold initiative to boost attendance, LCCI will offer free entry to all visitors, aiming to attract a record one million attendees over the ten-day event.
At a media briefing, LCCI Vice President and Chairman of the Trade Promotion Board, Abimbola Olashore, announced that this year’s exhibition is set to exceed the annual average of 3,500 exhibitors by approximately 50%. The event is expected to showcase a diverse range of products and services from both local and international businesses.
Olashore, represented by Akinbo Akin-Olugbade from the LCCI Trade Promotion Board, emphasized the importance of security during the fair. He stated that state-of-the-art security measures would be implemented to ensure a safe environment for both exhibitors and attendees, especially given the anticipated high turnout. “LITF usually attracts about 350,000 visitors, and this year we are targeting one million. We are excited to welcome everyone and ensure their safety throughout the event,” he noted.
In recognition of the fair’s significance for SMEs, Olashore expressed gratitude to United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, which will serve as the official financial partner for the sixth consecutive year. “We appreciate UBA’s unwavering support and commitment to the success of this fair. Their contributions have been invaluable,” he remarked.
Babatunde Ajayi, UBA’s Head of SME Banking, highlighted the bank’s strong commitment to fostering SME development across Africa. He announced a substantial $6 billion loan facility dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises. “Our partnership with LCCI has been tremendously successful because our missions align perfectly,” Ajayi stated.
He also shared that UBA’s involvement will go beyond traditional banking, offering direct customer engagement opportunities, payment collection services, and advanced digital banking platforms to facilitate efficient transactions for exhibitors and visitors alike.
The LITF promises to be a landmark event, creating opportunities for business networking, collaboration, and growth across the African continent. With free entry and robust support from UBA, the fair aims to empower SMEs and promote a vibrant business ecosystem in Lagos and beyond.
