Oyo State Showcases Investment Potential at Intra-African Trade Fair 2025
The Oyo State government has taken center stage at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2025 in Algiers, Algeria, showcasing its vast investment potential and economic strengths to a continental audience. As part of the Nigerian delegation, Oyo State’s presence at the fair underscores its commitment to leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to drive economic growth, attract foreign investment, and expand its export base. Leading the delegation, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, emphasized the state’s dedication to creating a conducive business environment that fosters innovation and sustainable development. The state aims to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AfCFTA to accelerate industrialization and establish itself as a key player in intra-African trade.
Oyo State’s participation in IATF 2025 is a strategic move to align its development agenda with the broader goals of AfCFTA. Ms. Neo Tlhaselo, Special Adviser to the Governor on AfCFTA and International Trade, highlighted the state’s strategic positioning to drive exports, industrialization, and cross-border trade. She emphasized the readiness of Oyo State’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy, designed to facilitate effective engagement and maximize the benefits of the free trade area. The state is particularly keen on exploring opportunities in agribusiness, tourism, special economic zones, and mining, inviting collaborations through public-private partnerships, bilateral relations, and development agency support.
The state’s economic strategy is further bolstered by its rich cultural heritage and tourism attractions, which Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, identified as key drivers of job creation and revenue generation. This multi-pronged approach aims to create a diversified and resilient economy capable of attracting both domestic and international investment. Furthermore, Professor Musibau Adetunji, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the alignment of trade and investment initiatives with the state’s long-term development plan, underscoring the vision for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Mr. Olajide Okesade, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, presented the Oyo State Government Logo, a symbol representing identity, culture, unity, and agricultural abundance, reflecting the state’s historical role as a pacesetter in education, trade, and governance. This presentation served to reinforce Oyo State’s commitment to its heritage while showcasing its modern aspirations for economic development. By actively participating in IATF 2025, Oyo State has not only reaffirmed its leadership in driving economic growth and export promotion but has also demonstrably showcased its readiness to harness the full benefits of AfCFTA for its people and businesses.
IATF 2025, themed “Innovation, Value Addition, and Green Industrialisation,” serves as a crucial platform for African businesses and governments to explore trade and investment opportunities, foster partnerships, and drive economic integration across the continent. With over 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 participants, the trade fair is a significant driver of intra-African commerce, with projected deals exceeding $44 billion. Oyo State’s presence at the fair reflects the increasing recognition of the importance of intra-African trade in achieving sustainable economic development and regional integration.
Oyo State’s proactive engagement in IATF 2025, coupled with its robust AfCFTA implementation strategy, positions the state as a promising investment destination and a key player in the evolving landscape of African trade. By showcasing its strengths in various sectors, promoting its rich cultural heritage, and emphasizing its commitment to a conducive business environment, Oyo State is actively working to attract investment, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the overall success of the African Continental Free Trade Area. The state’s participation signifies its dedication to fostering collaboration and leveraging the vast potential of intra-African trade for the benefit of its citizens and the continent as a whole.
