Oyo State, under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, is set to become a hub for international investments and trade, according to the Special Adviser to the governor on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and International Trade, Neo Theodore Tlhaselo.
Tlhaselo, who was appointed to the position last Thursday, stated that she would utilize her extensive experience in international trade and business development to ensure the successful implementation of the AfCFTA in Oyo State. This vision, she said, will align with the realization of Governor Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 Sustainable Development Agenda.
“As an International Trade, Business Development and Communications expert with over 15 years of experience, rendering expertise across government agencies, diplomatic institutions, and the private sector in Africa and globally, this opportunity will help us to bring about the realization of the implementation of the AfCFTA within Oyo State in alignment with the Omituntun 2.0 Agenda,” Tlhaselo said.
Tlhaselo, who is the founder and CEO of Conversation With Africa, an organization promoting intra-Africa trade, Africa’s integration agenda, the AfCFTA, and Agenda 2063, said she would assist the state in developing a sub-national AfCFTA Implementation Strategy to create a competitive edge for Oyo State in the face of Africa’s single market agenda.
Additionally, Tlhaselo stated that she would explore global relations to attract investments and create an enabling environment for international trade, as well as cultivate and cement relations with strategic partners in the region and internationally to achieve the goal of a sustainable economy for the state.
“Through this office, we will explore more global relations to attract investment and create an enabling environment for the realization of international trade, cultivate and cement relations with diverse and targeted strategic partners in the region and internationally for the broader achievement of creating a sustainable economy for the Pacesetter State,” she said.
Tlhaselo’s appointment and the plans for Oyo State’s economic development align with Governor Makinde’s commitment to transforming the state into a hub of economic activities and attracting investments.
