Oyo State is set to make history on Friday as the first sub-national government in Africa to officially launch its African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation strategy.
The initiative is central to Governor Seyi Makinde’s economic agenda, aimed at expanding trade opportunities, boosting investment inflows, and improving the livelihoods of residents.
At a pre-event media briefing, the governor’s Special Adviser on International Trade and AfCFTA, Ms Neo Theodore-Tlhaselo, underlined the significance of the development. She explained that the strategy will position Oyo State to take full advantage of the AfCFTA framework, which merges 54 African nations into a single market.
“The launch is a landmark moment not only for Oyo State and Nigeria, but for the entire continent,” she said. “Oyo State is the first sub-national in Africa to domesticate this strategy, leading the way among more than 591 sub-national entities across the continent.”
The roadmap builds on a consultative forum held in 2024 and completes a three-part process that includes signing and ratifying the AfCFTA agreement. By embedding the framework in its policies and legislation, Oyo State is aligning its local economic agenda with continental trade ambitions.
The launch, scheduled to take place at the University of Ibadan, is expected to draw a distinguished audience, including the AfCFTA Secretary General, His Excellency Wamkele Mene, senior Federal Government officials, and delegates from across Africa.
Ms Theodore-Tlhaselo stressed that while the initiative involves complex trade terminology, its purpose is simple: to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods. “This is about creating opportunities for businesses and households across Oyo State. It reflects Governor Makinde’s vision of a more prosperous and competitive state,” she added.
Also present at the briefing were members of the Oyo State AfCFTA Technical Working Group, alongside representatives from the Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and the Oyo State Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA).
