Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde Positions State for International Trade Under AfCFTA

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Nigeria has emphasized the state's strategic positioning for international trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. The state has become the first sub-national entity in Africa to sign a domestic AfCFTA strategy, aiming to unlock significant trade opportunities, promote exports, and enhance industrialization.

Makinde led a workshop in Ibadan to engage stakeholders in implementing the AfCFTA strategy, with Prof. Musibau Babatunde representing the state government. The initiative aims to expand market access, eliminate tariff barriers, and create new export opportunities for Oyo State's products within African countries.

The AfCFTA framework is expected to particularly benefit the state's agriculture sector by increasing export volumes and demand for agricultural products, while also promoting services such as education, healthcare, tourism, and service-based industries within Oyo State.