Oyo State has emerged as the first sub-national in Africa to launch a Sub-national Implementation Strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The strategy was launched last week Friday and it had in attendance the AfCFTA Secretary-General, His Excellency Wamkele Mene.
Speaking at the launch at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Mr. Mene lauded Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his foresight.
He stated that the strategy would address youth unemployment, boost economic growth, and improve living standards by expanding trade opportunities for the state’s farmers, entrepreneurs, and manufacturers.
Mene assured that the AfCFTA Secretariat is ready to support Oyo State in implementing this strategy, ensuring it becomes a reality and not just a slogan.
In his address, Oyo State’s Acting Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal emphasized that the launch is a “statement of intent” that shows Oyo State’s proactive and strategic approach to external trade policies.
According to him, the strategy will, among other things, improve the export readiness of the state’s Small and Medium Enterprises through training, support for compliance with standards on packaging and certifications and also signal to investors that Oyo State is ready and that it is a good place to invest.
Makinde added that the strategy will equally help to focus by identifying priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and the creative industry, while the state can also devote resources where they will bring the highest returns.
Lawal clarified that while foreign trade policy is a federal matter, states have significant powers in economic development.
He described the strategy as a form of “para-diplomacy,” which prepares the state’s systems, regulations, and infrastructure to benefit when federal provisions apply.
He assured attendees that the strategy is legally sound and about “domestic alignment, readiness, reforms, and business enablement.”
The event also drew high praise from foreign dignitaries.
Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Christophe Bazivamo, described the launch as a statement of courage and a momentous and historic achievement.
He noted that other sub-national governments across Africa would look to Oyo State as a model. Similarly, Sierra Leone’s Deputy High Commissioner, Major-General Dauda Fred Alpha, commended Governor Makinde’s vision and expressed his country’s readiness to partner with Oyo State on the initiative.
Ms. Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on International Trade and AfCFTA, highlighted that the strategy is built on five key pillars: productive capacity, trade facilitation, market access, finance and investment, and institutional framework.
She stated that the launch is a clear signal that Oyo State is open for business and committed to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.