‎Oyo Government Reaffirms Commitment to African Free Trade Agreement, Begins Implementation Framework

‎Oyo Government Reaffirms Commitment to African Free Trade Agreement, Begins Implementation Framework
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‎The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, reinforcing its position as a pacesetter in sub-national trade integration in Africa.
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‎The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Babatunde, made this known while representing Governor Seyi Makinde at the Train-the-Trainers Workshop on the Oyo State AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, held at the Local Government Training School, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan.
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‎Professor Babatunde explained that Oyo State’s decision to align with the AfCFTA framework is driven by its immense potential to expand market access for locally produced goods across Africa.
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‎He noted that tariff-free trade and the reduction of non-tariff barriers would significantly enhance the competitiveness of the state’s products on the continental stage.
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‎The SSG explained that the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of participants drawn from professional associations, government agencies, and other relevant institutions critical to the execution of the AfCFTA strategy in the state.
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‎In her address of welcome, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on International Trade and AfCFTA, Ms. Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, private sector players, and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the AfCFTA agreement in Oyo State.
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‎She urged participants to cascade the knowledge gained from the training within their respective associations and organizations, and to submit detailed reports to the Ministry of Trade to support effective documentation, monitoring, and evaluation of the strategy’s rollout.
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‎Reports have it that Oyo State is the first sub-national government on the continent to develop a comprehensive AfCFTA implementation strategy.
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