The 2024 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum concluded in Washington, D.C., with a renewed focus on strengthening U.S.-Africa economic ties. Under the theme “Beyond 2025: Reimagining AGOA for an Inclusive, Sustainable and Prosperous Tomorrow,” the forum spanned July 24 to 26 and explored ways to evolve AGOA.
Key Outcomes and Initiatives
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Constance Hamilton and Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Joy Basu shared insights from the forum during a digital press briefing on July 29. They highlighted efforts to modernize AGOA, emphasizing inclusivity, sustainability, and economic growth.
Hamilton underscored the administration’s commitment to AGOA, noting discussions on increasing program utilization and addressing barriers for underrepresented groups. “We are committed to refining AGOA to enhance its effectiveness and support regional economic integration,” she stated. The forum also emphasized President Biden’s support for AGOA’s modernization and reauthorization, with positive bipartisan signals from Congress.
Basu elaborated on new initiatives, including the U.S. Africa Trade Desk, a digital platform aiming to boost agricultural trade by $300 million. Additionally, over 100 AGOA advisors have been deployed across eligible countries to support businesses in leveraging AGOA benefits.
Addressing Challenges and Future Outlook
The forum tackled ongoing challenges, including potential loss of AGOA eligibility for some countries. Officials stressed the importance of clear, achievable criteria and transparent communication with affected nations.
Discussions also explored the complementary relationship between AGOA and Africa’s Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Hamilton noted, “They really are reinforcing each other. And so we are here to support the implementation of the protocols so that we can see companies and communities and people benefiting from the vision of the AfCFTA and the vision of AGOA together.”
Looking ahead, Basu confirmed the administration’s push for early AGOA reauthorization before its 2025 expiration, with talks of a 10- to 20-year renewal period.
Focus on South Africa and Ethiopia
The briefing addressed questions about South Africa’s and Ethiopia’s AGOA statuses. Hamilton confirmed ongoing discussions with South Africa to resolve issues related to citrus exports and other trade concerns. As for Ethiopia, Basu and Hamilton reiterated that the country’s eligibility review is ongoing, with specific criteria communicated to the Ethiopian government to address human rights and governance issues.
Conclusion
The 2024 AGOA Forum laid the groundwork for a revitalized U.S.-Africa economic partnership. Both Hamilton and Basu expressed optimism for AGOA’s continued evolution and its potential to foster inclusive, sustainable growth.
Basu concluded by emphasizing the media’s role in AGOA’s success: “A lot of the criteria and eligibility criteria behind AGOA is really creating the right investment climate that draws businesses, it’s creating – it helps attract high investment, high-quality investment that respects workers’ rights, that respects the environment so that communities are uplifted together through private-sector-led growth. And so continue to kind of shine that light in your countries on opportunities for a fair and transparent investment environment, continue to shine the light when the government is doing the right thing and also when there are concerns about people benefiting and the rule of law. And so I continue to call on you for that.”
