Oyo becomes first sub-national in Africa to launch AfCFTA strategy

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Oyo State has set a new milestone by becoming the first sub-national government in Africa to launch an implementation strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The historic event took place on Friday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with the Secretary-General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene, and Oyo State’s Acting Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, in attendance.

In his remarks, Mene described the initiative as a bold step that positions Oyo State as a model for others across the continent. He noted that the strategy would unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs, boost trade, and create jobs for young people.

“Oyo State has become a beacon of resilience and prosperity through AfCFTA. This strategy will tackle unemployment, drive economic growth, and reduce poverty,” Mene said, assuring that the AfCFTA Secretariat would fully support the state in achieving its goals.

Speaking on behalf of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the acting governor said the launch demonstrated the state’s readiness to leverage continental trade opportunities. He noted that the strategy would support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through training, packaging, and certification.

Lawal emphasized that Oyo’s adoption of the strategy was not politically motivated but a demonstration of its preparedness. “No sub-national in Nigeria or Africa has formally adopted a domestic strategy to operationalise AfCFTA. Today, Oyo State becomes the first of Africa’s 591 sub-national entities to do so,” he declared.

He further explained that while trade policy remains under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, states have the capacity to drive economic development, promote investment, and support SMEs — priorities the new strategy aims to advance.

Highlighting Oyo’s proximity to the Republic of Benin, Lawal said the state is strategically positioned to expand cross-border trade and logistics opportunities, which would create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the local economy.