The Oyo State Government has taken a bold step toward economic transformation by launching its African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation strategy, making it the first sub-national government in Africa to adopt such a framework. The initiative, led by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has been described as a landmark milestone that positions Oyo State as a trailblazer in unlocking the benefits of continental trade integration.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday at the Governor’s Office, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on International Trade and AfCFTA, Ms. Neo Theodore-Tlhaselo, said the strategy would provide Oyo State with a clear roadmap to harness the opportunities presented by AfCFTA. She emphasised that the plan aligns the state’s policies with Africa’s most ambitious trade project, which brings together 54 countries into a single market.
“This marks a very historic moment not just for Oyo State but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole. In December 2024, we hosted the AfCFTA Consultative Forum here in Ibadan as part of the compliance process. Today, Oyo State is not just participating in AfCFTA—it is leading the way by becoming the first of Africa’s 591 sub-national governments to formally adopt an AfCFTA implementation strategy,” Theodore-Tlhaselo declared.
Understanding the AfCFTA Process
The AfCFTA, launched in 2019, is regarded as one of the most significant milestones in Africa’s economic history. Once fully implemented, it will create a single continental market with a population of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion.
Explaining the broader process, Ms. Theodore-Tlhaselo noted that AfCFTA implementation typically involves three key stages: the signature of the agreement by heads of state, the ratification of the legal instrument by member countries, and finally, the adoption of a domesticated implementation strategy at the national or sub-national level.
“An AfCFTA implementation strategy is not just another policy document. It is a statutory instrument that demonstrates a government’s commitment to aligning its domestic policies and legislation with the pan-African trade framework. It carries enormous weight because it marks the point at which theory becomes practice—where governments shift from rhetoric to actionable programmes that expand trade and improve lives,” she explained.
According to her, Oyo State’s adoption of the strategy is evidence of a deliberate effort to accelerate economic growth, attract investment, and expand access to continental markets.
Why Oyo State’s Move Matters
The Special Adviser underlined that the significance of Oyo State’s leadership goes beyond being the first to adopt the strategy. It also underscores Governor Makinde’s determination to transform the state into a competitive economic hub.
“Oyo State is the first sub-national in Nigeria and across Africa to adopt this strategy. That alone is remarkable, considering there are over 591 sub-nationals on the continent. But more importantly, this milestone reflects the governor’s commitment to creating prosperity for the people of Oyo State. The bottom line is simple: economic acceleration and improved livelihoods for our people,” Theodore-Tlhaselo stated.
She added that while the AfCFTA often comes with technical language around tariffs, trade facilitation, and legal instruments, the ultimate goal is about making life better for ordinary citizens. “At the end of the day, what matters most is that the strategy will generate opportunities for businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and young entrepreneurs in Oyo State,” she said.
A Platform for Investment and Growth
The adoption of the AfCFTA implementation strategy is expected to open new investment frontiers for Oyo State. By aligning its laws and policies with continental trade agreements, the state positions itself to attract regional and international investors.
Stakeholders believe that the strategy will help Oyo State:
- Expand agricultural exports by taking advantage of reduced tariffs and harmonised trade rules.
- Strengthen industrial capacity by linking local producers to continental value chains.
- Improve infrastructure and logistics systems to support large-scale trade.
- Empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access bigger markets across Africa.
Experts say the ripple effect will not only boost revenue generation for the state but also stimulate job creation and poverty reduction.
National and Continental Impact
Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, stands to gain significantly from AfCFTA. However, experts have long argued that the real test of the agreement’s success lies in how states and local governments adapt and implement it.
By adopting an implementation strategy, Oyo State provides a model for other Nigerian states—and indeed sub-national governments across Africa—to follow. The move demonstrates that AfCFTA is not just a federal-level project but one that requires decentralised, localised strategies to ensure impact.
In a related development, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene recently cautioned that some African states may face challenges in meeting their commitments under the agreement. Oyo State’s proactive approach therefore stands out as a positive example of sub-national ownership.
A Historic Launch at the University of Ibadan
The official launch event is scheduled to take place at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier institution of higher learning. The ceremony is expected to attract high-profile guests, including the Secretary-General of AfCFTA, senior officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria, top business leaders, and dignitaries from across Africa.
The choice of venue is symbolic, as Ibadan is not only the capital of Oyo State but also a historic city that has long been a centre of commerce, education, and culture. The launch is expected to generate momentum for further trade-related events, business forums, and academic partnerships.
Looking Ahead
As AfCFTA continues to evolve, Oyo State’s implementation strategy is set to become a critical tool for ensuring that the benefits of trade liberalisation are felt at the grassroots. By aligning local policies with continental frameworks, the state is laying a strong foundation for sustained economic growth and development.
Governor Makinde’s leadership in this area is likely to attract national and international attention, particularly as Nigeria seeks to leverage AfCFTA to diversify its economy away from oil dependence. For Oyo State, the adoption of this strategy represents not just compliance with a continental agenda, but a bold vision to place the state at the centre of Africa’s economic renaissance.
As Ms. Theodore-Tlhaselo put it: “This is not just about documents or compliance. It is about making sure that Oyo State residents see tangible improvements in their livelihoods. The AfCFTA is about people, and today we are ensuring that Oyo State people are at the centre of Africa’s trade future.”
