Governor of the Oyo state, Nigeria, Seyi Makinde has asserted that the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) provides a sub national strategy that the state can use to obtain growth without depending on the Federal government.He was speaking recently at the Consultative Forum on the Development of the AfCFTA Sub-national Implementation Strategy for Oyo State held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.
Story Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo state Nigeria while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Consultative Forum on the Development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Sub-national Implementation Strategy for Oyo State held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan recently stated that the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) provides an opportunity for the state to expand its economy and foster cordial relationships with other African countries without relying on the federal govenment’s funding.
He noted that agribusiness since 2019 has been one of the significant drivers of the Oyo state economy.
He said cash crops like cocoa, Cassava, maize, yams and cashew nuts, can be exported to other African countries urging for improved farming methods and adapting technology for value addition.
Facilitating the establishment of agro-processing industries to convert these raw produce into high value exports, trade and logistics, tourism and infrstructure are some of the areas the governor said will benefit the state if collaborating with the AfCFTA.
According to the Chairperson of the technical working committee who also doubles as the Special Adviser, International Trade and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Neo Theodore Tlhaselo,the state government has a unique comparative advantage that sets it apart from other states through agribusiness, manufacturing, investment, market expansion which would add more value to the economy of the state. She further tasked stakeholders to support governor Makinde’s development agenda for progress.
