Oyo govt, Botswana discuss market access, investment under AfCFTA

Adejayan Gbenga

The government of Oyo State is set to partner with the government of Botswana to strengthen trade ties between both regions under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The partnership which is aimed at deepening economic diplomacy and fostering mutually beneficial trade relations between Oyo State and Botswana was disclosed in a meeting held on Monday in Gaborone with Oyo State officials and Botswana’s leaders in attendance.

Discussions at the meeting included the presentation of Oyo State’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, with Minister Ntsima praising Governor Makinde for making Oyo State the first sub-national government in Nigeria to formally participate in AfCFTA.

Ntsima also acknowledged Nigeria’s large consumer market, stating that it highlighted opportunities for enhanced trade between Oyo State and Botswana.

She emphasised Botswana’s strategic location, adding that it is a viable hub for Oyo-based businesses to connect with the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), while also indicating that Botswana traders could equally leverage Oyo as a gateway to Nigeria and the wider ECOWAS region.

In the same vein, the permanent Secretary of Botswana’s Ministry of Trade, Joel Ramaphoi, noted that facilitating market access is crucial for achieving tangible results under AfCFTA, while also commending Oyo State’s favorable ranking in ease of doing business, making it an attractive partner for investment.