20th FIL: nearly 800,000 visitors registered
- Posted on 15/12/2025 18:12
- Film
- By kolaniyendoumiesther@gmail.com
Extract from the article: The 20th edition of the Lomé International Fair (FIL) officially closed its doors on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with a closing ceremony. This edition marked the 40th anniversary of the organizing institution. Opened on November 28, FIL 2025 ...
The 20th edition of the Lomé International Fair (FIL) officially closed its doors on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with a closing ceremony. This edition marked the 40th anniversary of the organizing institution. Opened on November 28, FIL 2025 stimulated trade and created business opportunities over 17 days. It confirmed its position as an essential economic platform in the sub-region.
On
behalf of the Director General of CETEF, Judith Radji Djéri, the institution's
Director of Communications and Marketing, announced the provisional results.
She emphasized that this anniversary edition was driven by growth, innovation,
and success.
The
20th FIL a success despite challenges
Attendance
reached a historic high. The number of visitors rose to 803,000 in 2025,
compared to 706,000 at the 19th edition in 2024. This increase reflects the
growing appeal of the event. Although the number of exhibitors was 1,150
compared to 1,300 in 2024, the exhibition space was expanded to 20,000 m²,
compared to 19,000 m² last year. The quality of the stands was significantly
improved. “Our overall assessment is very positive, both in terms of
quantity and quality, with record attendance, substantial commercial exchanges,
and a strengthened dynamic of innovation,” said Director Judith Radji
Djéri.
The
success can also be measured by the commitment of the partners and the
expansion of international influence. There were 45 sponsors and partners in
2025, compared to 36 in 2024. Twenty-six countries participated, compared to 24
previously.
“It's true that there were a few minor
issues this year with rain and a few power outages, but CETEF dealt with them
quickly. I liked it and I think it will also help us to be better prepared for
next year,” said Da Adjoua, a retailer and cook.
“We need to find ways to attract more
people, especially older people, directly to the product stands. A daily live
broadcast could really help to reach this demographic and raise brand awareness,”
strongly recommends Namissoub Eli, a sales representative at a Chinese stand.
The
business sector has seen the most spectacular growth. The number of companies
taking part in B2B meetings reached 297, compared to 130 in 2024. A total of
827 business meetings were recorded, compared to 680 in 2024, resulting in 240
partnership and business agreements, compared to 203 last year.
The
Director General of CETEF, Dr. Alexandre de Souza, has always reiterated his
vision and insisted that the Fair is not just a space for exhibitions and
sales. It is a real catalyst for opportunities, a place for strategic meetings,
and an incubator for partnerships.
To
ensure smooth organization, the date has already been set for the 21st edition,
announced for late November-early December 2026. The ambition is to make the
Lomé International Fair an even more inclusive, innovative, and effective space
for sustainable economic development.
Esther KOLANI
