IATF 2025: Oyo Emerges as Top Destination for Investment & Tourism

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The Oyo State Government is actively promoting its vast investment potential at the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) in Algiers, joining other Nigerian states to project the nation’s economic strengths on the continental stage. 

The state delegation is focused on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to foster economic growth and attract international partners.

Leading the delegation, the Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, Adeniyi Adebisi, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses and investors. 

He explained that Oyo State is determined to use the AfCFTA framework to expand its export market, attract significant investments, and accelerate industrialisation.

In her opening remarks at the Oyo State exhibition stand, the Special Adviser to the Governor on AfCFTA and International Trade, Ms. Neo Tlhaselo, described the state’s participation as a milestone. 

She noted that Oyo is strategically positioned to drive exports, industrialisation, and cross-border trade, highlighting that the state’s AfCFTA Implementation Strategy is ready for effective engagement.

Ms. Neo Tlhaselo further explained that the state is committed to expanding opportunities in agribusiness, tourism, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), mining, and other growth sectors, while welcoming collaborations through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), bilateral relations, and development agency support.

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Adding to this, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, emphasised that Oyo State’s unique cultural heritage and diverse tourism attractions are significant catalysts for job creation and revenue generation. 

The strategic importance of these initiatives was underscored by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Musibau Adetunji, who highlighted the alignment of the state’s trade and investment goals with its long-term development agenda for sustainable economic growth.

Mr. Olajide Okesade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives, and Industry, gave a presentation on the Oyo State Government logo, describing it as a powerful symbol of identity, culture, unity, and agricultural abundance. 

He noted that the emblem reflects Oyo’s pioneering role in education, trade, and governance, reinforcing its image as the true “Pacesetter State”. He concluded that Oyo State has reaffirmed its leadership in driving economic growth and is ready to harness the full benefits of AfCFTA for its people and businesses.

The Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), organised by Afreximbank in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, serves as a premier platform for businesses and governments to explore trade and investment opportunities across the continent. 

The 2025 edition has attracted over 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 participants, with projected deals expected to exceed $44 billion under the theme, “Innovation, Value Addition, and Green Industrialisation.”

 

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Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Why is the Oyo State Government participating in the IATF 2025?

The Oyo State Government is participating to showcase its investment potential, attract foreign investment, expand exports, and promote industrialisation by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Where is the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2025) being held?

The IATF 2025 is being held in Algiers, the capital city of Algeria.

What key sectors is Oyo State promoting for investment?

Oyo State is promoting opportunities in agribusiness, tourism, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), mining, and other high-growth sectors.

What is the theme of the IATF 2025?

The theme for the 2025 edition of the trade fair is “Innovation, Value Addition, and Green Industrialisation.”

Who are the main organisers of the Intra-African Trade Fair?

The fair is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the AfCFTA Secretariat.

How does Oyo State plan to attract investors and partners?

The state is open to collaborations through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), bilateral relations, and support from development agencies to create an enabling environment for business.