Oyo govt set to launch sub-national AfCFTA programme

Oyo State Government has shown commitment as it prepares to launch its Sub-National African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Programme, becoming one of the first Nigerian states to formally adopt and implement the continental trade framework at the sub-national level.

Speaking ahead of the launch on Thursday, the Special Adviser on International Trade and AfCFTA to the Oyo State Government, Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, described the initiative as a bold step towards positioning the state for greater trade competitiveness across Africa.

“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,” Tlhaselo said.

The event, which is to hold at the University of Ibadan, is expected to bring together critical stakeholders such as the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, African Union, His Excellency Wamkele Mene, officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and other dignitaries from across the African continent.

She noted that the programme is designed to identify priority sectors within the state economy, equip local businesses for export readiness, and facilitate connections between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and regional trade partners.

Noting that the implementation strategy launch will improve the economy of Oyo State, Ms Tlhaselo said it would demonstrate that the state has domesticated the AfCFTA and is aligning its policies and legislation with the pan-African agenda.

“Following the signatures of the heads of state is then what is called the depositing of the ratification instrument. Now, the deposits there reflect the negotiations that have been done with regard to tariffs, because you will take note that the AfCFTA in its speciality is about exporting and importing amongst African states with a reduced tariff,” she explained.

A major feature of the launch will be the unveiling of the Oyo State AfCFTA Strategy Document, a strategic roadmap that outlines the state’s approach to harnessing the opportunities within the AfCFTA agreement.

The event is expected to attract high-level participation, including officials from the AfCFTA Secretariat, as well as public and private sector stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.

Tlhaselo praised the administration of Governor Makinde for its foresight in placing international trade and economic diversification at the heart of its development agenda.

“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.

According to her, the Sub-National AfCFTA programme is aligned with Nigeria’s broader objective of enhancing its trade performance under the continental agreement, which spans 54 countries and 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 stated.

She added, “So, Oyo State is the first sub-national in Nigeria and Africa to adopt this strategy. This is a big milestone. You will take note that there are over 591 sub-nationals in Africa. The governor saw us through the process right until where we are now.

“So this, as I said, is a big milestone, not just because we are the first, but the fact that this is an incredible demonstration of Governor Makinde’s commitment to ensuring that we accelerate Oyo State’s economic standing; we accelerate Oyo State residents’ livelihoods, because that is the bottom line about the AfCFTA.

“We may speak a lot of technical jargon, but at the end of the day, what is the bottom line? The bottom line is the acceleration of Oyo State’s economy, and the improvement of the livelihood of Oyo State’s people.”

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