Zamfara governor pushes for transparent partnerships at Kenyan trade summit

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has underscored the importance of transparent and collaborative partnerships to unlock Africa’s economic potential. Speaking at the fourth Africa Sub-Sovereign Network (AfSNET) Conference in Kisumu, Kenya, the Governor highlighted the critical role of sub-national governments in leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for sustainable growth.

Governor Lawal, who represented the Nigeria Governors Forum at the conference, joined other panelists to discuss the theme, “Leveraging the AfCFTA for Sustainable Trade and Investment: A Development Pathway for African Sub-Sovereigns.” In his goodwill message, he described the conference as an opportunity for African leaders to align their strategies to harness the transformative potential of AfCFTA.

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“In Nigeria, we recognise the critical role of sub-national governments in driving trade, investment, and economic growth,” he said. “Our 36 states are diverse economic hubs, each with unique comparative advantages contributing to the national economy.”

He cited successful initiatives like the Kaduna State Agro-Allied Industrial Zone and the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos as models of how local resources can be harnessed to enhance value addition and expand market access under the AfCFTA framework.

At a panel discussion on sustainable solutions for regional development, Governor Lawal highlighted the intertwined relationship between development and sustainability. He noted that balancing economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection requires collaboration between various levels of government and decisive, accountable institutions.

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He shared insights from the North-West Governors’ Forum in Nigeria, which fosters regional cooperation among seven states in the region to harmonise policies for sustainable development. “This has already begun to yield results, facilitating prosperity within the sub-region,” he said.

The Governor also addressed security as a prerequisite for sustainable development. He explained the limitations imposed by constitutional provisions on state governors in Nigeria but shared efforts made in Zamfara State to secure the region. “We established the Community Protection Guard (CPG), which has significantly reduced insecurity in Zamfara since the start of my administration,” he said.

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Governor Lawal’s participation at the AfSNET conference reinforced the need for collective action among African leaders to address shared challenges and unlock opportunities within the continent through initiatives like the AfCFTA. The conference concluded with renewed commitments to fostering sustainable trade and investment for African sub-sovereigns.