Oyo State has become the first sub-national government in Africa to sign and domesticate the AfCFTA strategy, in a move to expand agricultural exports, create jobs and support sustainable livelihoods.

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Professor Musibau Babatunde, disclosed this at a Training of Trainers workshop organised for stakeholders involved in implementing the AfCFTA strategy across the state.

Babatunde described this move as adeliberate and forward-looking decision, driven by the need to open wider markets for local producers, remove tariff barriers and position the state for increased participation in intra-African trade.

The SSG noted that agriculture stands to gain significantly from the AfCFTA framework, particularly through higher export volumes and improved access to African markets. 

He explained that the state is being positioned as a connective export hub within West Africa, enabling other states to leverage Oyo’s infrastructure, systems and regulatory processes to access international markets.

This approach, he said, would not only strengthen agricultural value chains but also support climate-smart production systems, youth participation in agribusiness and diversified rural incomes.

Babatunde added that the AfCFTA strategy extends beyond agriculture, creating opportunities for growth in education, healthcare, tourism and other service-based sectors. 

He described the initiative as an integrated platform that brings together government agencies, private-sector players and development partners.

He stressed that capacity building remains central to the strategy’s success, which informed the decision to organise the Training of Trainers workshop.

Participants at the training, he said, are being exposed to AfCFTA opportunities, integrated value chains, regulatory frameworks and the roles of regulators in ensuring compliance. 

The trainees are expected to cascade the knowledge gained to their respective associations to ensure effective grassroots implementation.

In her welcome address, the Special Adviser on International Trade and AfCFTA, Ms Neo Theodore T. Lhaselo, commended the AfCFTA Secretariat, partners and participants for their commitment.

She noted that successful AfCFTA implementation requires sustained investment, urging development partners and the private sector to explore funding opportunities rather than relying solely on government resources. 

She added that the training would help align partner strategies with Oyo State’s AfCFTA objectives and strengthen coordinated implementation.

Source: Tribune Online
Image Credit: Business Day