Oyo State Government will on Friday officially launch its African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation strategy, marking a historic milestone as the first sub-national government in Africa to adopt the framework.
The launch, which will take place at the University of Ibadan, is part of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s commitment to expanding the state’s economy, boosting trade, and improving the livelihoods of residents.
Speaking at a pre-event press briefing on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on International Trade and AfCFTA, Ms. Neo Theodore-Tlhaselo, said the strategy would enable Oyo State to fully explore opportunities presented by AfCFTA, a continental platform that brings together 54 countries into a single market.
She explained that the initiative would attract investments, expand intra-African trade, and create a conducive business environment within the state.
“Tomorrow marks a very historical moment not just for Oyo State but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. By adopting the AfCFTA implementation strategy, Oyo State has domesticated this continental instrument, aligning its policies and legislation with the broader pan-African agenda,” she said.
According to her, the move demonstrates Oyo’s economic leadership, noting that out of over 591 sub-nationals in Africa, Oyo is the first to key into the framework. She credited Governor Makinde’s foresight and commitment to seeing the process through, describing the milestone as a demonstration of his dedication to accelerating the state’s economic growth and improving residents’ quality of life.
She added: “We may speak a lot of technical jargon, but at the end of the day, the bottom line is the acceleration of Oyo State’s economy and the improvement of the livelihoods of its people.”
The event is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries including the Secretary-General of AfCFTA, His Excellency Wamkele Mene; officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria; and stakeholders from across the African continent.
Other members of the Technical Working Group for the launch, including Chief Abiola Alli of the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce, Deputy Chairman Mr. Kunle Olusina, Prince Adebowale Falana, and representatives of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), also attended the press briefing.
