The exhilarating journey to Algiers, Algeria, for the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) and its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) focus began with a lengthy travel experience for Lagosian Layomi Cole. Departing Murtala Muhammed International Airport on September 2 for an 8:50 p.m. flight, the trip involved a crucial layover in Istanbul. With no direct flights from Nigeria to Algeria, a nine-hour stopover in Istanbul proved surprisingly comfortable, offering airport accommodation at Yotel Air—a unique first-time discovery for the traveler. Despite the endurance test of the flight and a six-hour, forty-minute leg to Istanbul, hydration and rest were prioritized over in-flight meals.

Upon landing in Istanbul, Layomi navigated the vast airport, eventually locating the Yotel Air for a brief respite. The subsequent flight brought the traveler to Algiers by 4:45 p.m., where the vibrant energy of the IATF 2025 was immediately palpable. Officials greeted arriving journalists, leading to immediate connections with fellow Nigerian journalists and two lively Kenyan companions, Judie and Jackie. Lodging at the Hotel Mercure Alger Aeroport, a much-needed cold shower and a memorable room service hamburger provided comfort after more than nineteen hours of travel and a full twenty-four hours without food.

Day one commenced with breakfast, followed by a convenient shuttle service to the SAFEX (The Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports) exhibition fair. The accreditation process at the Centre International de Conférences Abdelatif Rahl brought significant news: Lagos, Nigeria, was announced as the host for IATF 2027, sparking excitement and a sense of "it's coming home." The day was relatively quiet, marked by making a new friend, Tsephele from South Africa.

Day two dawned bright and early, with a short ride to SAFEX. The atmosphere was bustling with preparations for the CANEX Junior Chef Competition, featuring judges Rabah Ourrad, Andile Sondaka, and Taymor Mason. The aroma of cooking filled the air as forty children from the Club Olympique Chrarba karate club arrived, performing with impressive discipline that instilled a new appreciation for the martial art. Interactions with the children, particularly Maria, highlighted a unique aspect of Algiers: black women like Judie and Jackie frequently drew attention and requests for photos. Later in the day, the traveler experienced a small celebrity moment, surrounded by boys eager to connect over Nigerian football stars like Victor Osimhen and Lookman. Despite the language barrier, they were eager to connect and it felt good to be welcomed with such excitement.

The evening of day two brought the highly anticipated CANEX Mega Concert, an unusual mid-event scheduling choice. The lineup included globally renowned artists like Wizkid and MusaKeys, alongside new discoveries such as South Africa’s DJ De-Ben Gogo and Algeria’s Mouh Milano. Willy Dumbo masterfully hosted the event, maintaining high energy. Mouh Milano's calm and smooth sound was particularly striking, potentially unlocking a new musical genre for the audience. Wizkid's performance ignited collective enthusiasm, with the crowd belting out classics like "Ojuelegba."

Day three marked the official launch of the Creative Africa Nexus Summit at IATF 2025. Unlike typical summits, this one was infused with engaging entertainment. A Brazilian band set the vibrant tone, followed by the powerful rhythm and colors of Olodum Oficial from Brazil. The Kangaroo Zulu Dancers from South Africa captivated with their movements, while spoken-word artist ibquake delivered impactful poetry. The summit concluded with precise percussion from Nigeria's Tayo Conga and Tumbadora Africa. The day wrapped up with a sophisticated networking dinner hosted by Le Conseil du Renouveau Economique Algérien – CREA at the Nautilus Restaurant, Sheraton Club des Pins, featuring a delightful five-course seafood meal.

Food and fashion took center stage on day four. The second edition of the CANEX Jollof Wars showcased a lively international culinary banter. Four chefs represented Suriname (Jennifer Wolff), Nigeria (Muse), Senegal (Les Ateliers de Iba), and Ghana (Abiro), competing for the Jollof crown. Chef Eros added a surprise "Unity Jollof," symbolizing togetherness. Senegal ultimately claimed victory, bringing Jollof "back to its roots." The day continued with a captivating fashion show, featuring designers like Algeria’s Haciba Creations, Nigeria’s The Ladymaker and Winston Leather, Cameroon’s Kibonene Official, Makeba Algerie and Yasmine Gadouche from Algeria, Asantii Official from Kigali, and Larallan with stunning bags. The legendary Alphadi from Niger closed the show with a well-deserved standing ovation.

Day five embodied the vibrant cultural exchange inherent to IATF 2025. A casual stroll through SAFEX led to an impromptu performance by Rai folk dancers, their infectious energy drawing in a crowd and transforming spectators into participants. Olatunbosun Ayodeji of @xpressionale_afrodesignz engaged in a spirited dance-off, highlighting the shared heartbeat of African culture. Later, a spontaneous road trip through Algiers was organized with Tayo Conga, Emmanuel, Tobi, and their humorous driver B.G. The group visited the magnificent Notre Dame d’Afrique Basilica, or Our Lady of Africa, perched on a hill with breathtaking views. Although rain cut short this visit and a search for an old African market proved challenging, the journey culminated at Djamaa el Djazaïr, the Great Mosque of Algiers. This impressive structure, boasting the world’s tallest minaret, is one of the largest mosques globally and provided a memorable experience, solidifying connections made throughout the trip.

The final day, day seven, concluded with three key agendas: the presentation of a glass-framed certificate recognizing media reporting at IATF 2025, a collective media group picture, and the closing ceremony. At the closing ceremony, Nigeria received two prestigious awards: "Best Stand for Doing Business" for its effective networking space, and Ogun State was recognized with the "Most Sustainable/Going Green" award for its commitment to environmental responsibility. This provided a fitting end to the seven-day adventure.

Reflecting on the IATF 2025 experience, the event proved immensely successful, attracting 112,000 physical and virtual visitors from 132 countries, hosting 958 buyers, and generating trade and investment deals worth US$48.3 billion. Organized by the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, the fair delivered on its promise. Beyond the fair, Algeria itself shone as a welcoming destination, its people warm and eager to help, even with a language barrier. The experience deepened Layomi Cole's appreciation for the African continent and its people, forged lasting friendships, and built anticipation for IATF 2027 in Lagos.