Oyo State is set to launch its Sub-National African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Programme, taking a significant step toward strengthening its economic ties within Africa.
The initiative positions the state among the first in Nigeria to formally adopt and implement the AfCFTA framework at the sub-national level, opening doors for regional trade and investment.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s launch, Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, Special Adviser on International Trade and AfCFTA to the Oyo State Government, said the programme reflects a strong commitment to boosting trade competitiveness.
“This is not merely a ceremonial launch; it is a clear signal that Oyo State is ready to engage in cross-border trade, attract investment, and establish itself as a key player within the African free trade landscape,” she stated.
The programme will focus on identifying priority sectors of the state’s economy, preparing local businesses for export, and connecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with regional partners. This approach is expected to enhance international trade and create opportunities for economic growth, particularly for entrepreneurs seeking access to larger markets.
A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Oyo State AfCFTA Strategy Document. This document serves as a roadmap outlining how the state plans to leverage the continental agreement to its advantage and maximise economic benefits for its citizens.
High-level stakeholders are expected at the launch, including representatives from the AfCFTA Secretariat, as well as participants from Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Their involvement is likely to boost investor confidence and promote partnerships that can support the state’s long-term development goals.
Tlhaselo commended Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration for prioritising international trade and economic diversification. “With a population of more than eight million and a dynamic business environment, Oyo State has all the right fundamentals to become a regional trade hub,” she said.
She added that the Sub-National AfCFTA Programme supports Nigeria’s wider strategy to improve trade performance under the agreement, which covers 54 African countries and gives access to a potential market of over 1.4 billion people.
“Oyo’s pioneering effort is seen as a model for other states looking to localise the AfCFTA framework and tap into the continent’s vast trade and investment opportunities,” she explained.