At the official opening of the 4th edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025), President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered a keynote address marked by realism and determination. He underscored the urgency of building a strong Africa, driven by its economic capacity and human potential.
Africa’s Economic Marginalization: A Stark Reality
President Tebboune began by highlighting Africa’s underrepresentation in global financial governance. He noted that the continent’s voting power at the International Monetary Fund stands at just 6.5%—the lowest share globally—while its participation in the World Bank is limited to 11%. In trade, intra-African exchanges account for barely 15%, compared with 60% in Europe.
He further emphasized that Africa’s share of foreign direct investment remains modest, at only 6% (around $74 billion), depriving the continent of key levers for growth, industrialization, and job creation for its youthful population.
A Call for Collective Awareness and Strategic Action
Warning against the risk of further marginalization, the President declared: “Our greatest concern is that Africa could become one of the main victims of this situation, silenced despite its immense potential.”For him, IATF 2025 must go beyond a mere trade exhibition to become a platform for strategic reflection on Africa’s place in the global economy.
He welcomed the progress achieved so far, notably the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s accession to the G20 in September 2023.“This gathering is not confined to its commercial dimension; it embodies a growing awareness of the necessity for Africa to become a decisive actor in both regional and global arenas,” he stressed.
Algeria’s Enduring Commitment to Africa
President Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s historical role in supporting African development. Since independence, nearly 65,000 African professionals have been trained in Algerian universities, in fields ranging from basic sciences to nanotechnology.“Today, we call for a new beginning—a renewed era of solidarity that enables Africa to move forward with confidence toward strength, unity, and prosperity,” he affirmed.
He insisted that Africa must ensure food self-sufficiency, channel its resources toward the benefit of its people, and secure the global standing it rightfully deserves. Among key projects, he cited the Trans-Saharan Highway, the Algeria–Nigeria gas pipeline, and the fiber-optic backbone that aims to guarantee Africa’s digital sovereignty.
Connectivity and Infrastructure: The Cornerstones of Africa’s Future
Looking ahead, President Tebboune stressed the centrality of transport and communication infrastructure in Africa’s development strategy. “Africa is not a testing ground for foreign weapons,” he warned, adding: “Those who wish to curb so-called ‘irregular’ migration should help us invest in job creation for African youth.”
He pointed in particular to the 2,200-kilometer Trans-Saharan railway project, linking Tamanrasset to Mali, as a cornerstone of regional integration. “The future of Africa, in which Algeria firmly believes, depends on our collective ability to develop interconnected infrastructure.”
The President also called for policies fostering investment and for transforming the AfCFTA into a genuine driver of sustainable development.
Finally, he advocated for direct air links between African capitals—bypassing European hubs—and the expansion of intra-African maritime routes to strengthen continental trade.