There are years that ask questions, and there are years that provide answers. 2025 has been my answer year, and it all came together in the most unexpected way—during seven wild days in Algiers for the Intra-African Trade Fair.
Picture this: the sound of deals worth billions being signed while Wizkid’s beats echo through the Opera D’alger, a kaleidoscope of African talent showcasing everything from hologram technology to Unity Jollof, and me, somewhere in the middle of it all.
Let me take you on my journey through Africa’s biggest business bash. Grab your passport (the IATF kind), and let’s dive in!
The Pre-Dawn Adventure Begins
There’s something surreal about dragging yourself through Nairobi’s empty streets in the dead of night, suitcase wheels clicking against the pavement, chasing a dream that exists somewhere over the Mediterranean.
My journey started with the kind of sacrifice that makes you question your life choices: leaving the house at 11:30 PM on September 2nd to catch a 3 AM flight from Nairobi to Istanbul, then onward to Algiers.
But the universe had a surprise waiting for me at JKIA—Valary, and Judy (from PulseKenya) were also traveling for IATF! It was great seeing Val again, and meeting Judy for the first time felt like the kind of instant connection that promises great adventures ahead. Sometimes the best journeys begin with perfect timing in departure lounges.
The moment I stepped off the plane in Algiers, everything shifted. Algerians are warm in a way that transcends every language barrier you can imagine. From the moment I arrived, I could sense this was going to be an adventure unlike anything I’d experienced before.
Since Algiers is two hours behind Istanbul and Kenya, I got an extra two hours to my time.
When the Universe Conspires
At the airport in Algiers, I met up with Cole (representing BellaNaija in Nigeria), and we discovered we were both staying at the Mercure hotel. The real plot twist? When we got to the hotel, we realized we weren’t just at the same place—we were on the same floor!
We quickly established our morning ritual: whoever woke up first called the other. Whoever finished getting dressed first knocked on the other’s door to hurry them along for breakfast.
It became this friendly competition to keep each other on schedule while making sure neither of us missed a moment of the magic.
Day One: Walking Into Something Big
The official opening ceremony had this energy I wasn’t quite prepared for. Walking into that hall and seeing all these leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across the continent—it felt significant in a way that’s hard to put into words. I found myself thinking, “Okay, this is really happening.”
The banners hanging across the entrance said it all: “Create. Connect. Deliver.” These weren’t just conference slogans—they were the blueprint for the $48.3 billion in deals that would be signed over the next week.Getting to meet people I’d only seen in newspapers, having actual conversations with them as if we were old friends—that’s when you know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Day Two: Food, Fashion, and Bashful Moments
Remember Cole? Day Two marked the beginning of our silent ritual. After breakfast, we headed to SAFEX where the IATF fire sidechats, partnerships and showcases were being held.
He and I dove headfirst into the automotive show, and honestly, this was right in my wheelhouse—I love cars, and seeing the innovation happening across African automotive industries was fascinating. From electric vehicles manufactured in Morocco to hybrid solutions designed in South Africa, it was clear that the continent wasn’t just importing technology anymore, it was creating it.
Later, Judy joined us for the CANEX Junior Chef’s Competition—and this is where the day took a delightfully unexpected turn.
The competition was fierce, with young chefs showcasing skills that would make seasoned professionals jealous. The judges—Rabah Ourrad, Andile Sondaka, and Taymor Mason—were taking their roles seriously, evaluating each dish with the precision of culinary scientists.
But then something magical happened. A group of girls from Club Olympique Chrarba walked in during the competition, and they were absolutely fascinated by my colored braids. These girls were so lovely, honestly a breath of fresh air in the middle of all the serious business talks. And I absolutely loved their confidence. They kept wanting photos with Cole, Judy, and me, communicating through smiles, gestures, and that universal language of genuine curiosity and kindness.
The highlight? One of them told Cole he was beautiful, and I watched this grown man transform into a bashful teenager right before my eyes. Full-on giggling and blushing, looking down at his shoes like he’d never received a compliment before.
That evening was the CANEX Mega Concert, featuring an incredible lineup: Wizkid from Nigeria, Mouh Milano from Algeria, Musa Keys and DBN Gogo from South Africa, Innoss’B from DR Congo, and DJ Coco Em from Kenya.
CANEX (Creative Africa Nexus) had put together a showcase that was absolutely insane.
It was my first time seeing Wizkid live, and the man did not disappoint.
But what really got me was Mouh Milano’s set—this Algerian artist had the entire crowd moving to rhythms I didn’t understand but felt in my soul. It made me realize that Algerians have some seriously good music, even when you can’t understand a single word.
Day Three: Technology, Culture, and Brazilian Rhythms
Our first stop was the Algerian Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and I was completely blown away. They’ve embraced technology to promote tourism in a way that’s genuinely innovative. There was a hologram displaying traditional Algerian attire—actual hologram technology!
And this interactive screen that made you feel like you were walking through the Algerian Museum, exploring different rooms virtually. It was like stepping into the future.
Later, at the CANEX summit opening, we were treated to an incredible cultural showcase. A Brazilian band set the mood, then the mighty Olodum brought colors and rhythms so powerful the entire audience was on its feet.
The Kangaroo Zulu dancers from South Africa followed with movements that told stories, and then spoken-word artist ibquake took the stage with bars that literally gave me goosebumps. The evening closed with Tayo Conga and Tumbadora Africa bringing Nigerian percussion precision that had everyone moving.
Watching people from dozens of different countries moving to the same beat, I understood something profound about African unity—it’s not just political or economic, it’s cultural, spiritual, something that lives in our bones.
That night, we headed to the Sheraton for a five-course seafood dinner hosted by Le Conseil du Renouveau Economique Algérien (CREA). Let me tell you—”wueh” doesn’t even begin to capture the experience. The food was incredible, each course more elaborate than the last, but Cole’s reactions throughout the dinner were the real entertainment. His eyes widening with each new dish, the way he’d look at us like “are you seeing this?” It made the whole experience even more memorable.
The CREA team later sent gifts, and I’m still touched by that level of thoughtfulness.
