The U.S. "African Growth and Opportunity Act"

The U.S. "African Growth and Opportunity Act" and its current role in Washington's Africa strategy — part 1

At the beginning of November there were a lot of news surrounding the USA "African Growth and Opportunity Act" (AGOA). Some countries were expelled (https://t.me/africaintel/6853) from this program, while other African countries called (https://t.me/africaintel/6960)for its extension and many US officials praised (https://t.me/africaintel/6966)it and propagated ideas for its reformation.

And yet, what is this AGOA anyway and why it is important to mention this program to better understand the current race for Africa?

🔻What is AGOA?

The African Growth and Opportunity Act was introduced back in 2000 as a new trade policy toward sub-Saharan Africa. It provided the duty-free access to the US market for some exports from eligible sub-Saharan African
countries.

The act also introduced annual AGOA forum held between the U.S. and AGOA country officials to discuss
trade-related issues. Additionally, AGOA provides direction to select U.S. government agencies regarding their trade and investment activities in the region.

▪️But what does it mean "eligible countries"? Well, to be part of the program sub-Saharan African countries need to abide several criteria that the president of the United States determines.

However, there are no clear criteria. Countries need to address issues such as trade and investment policy, governance, worker rights, human rights, etc. to satisfy the US president. In reality, this means that countries need to obey the USA agenda to be part of duty-free program.

▪️On the paper, these trade preferences are meant to provide African countries with more opportunities to sell their goods at a better price on the US market, provide more people with jobs and so on. In reality, it is not all sunshine and rainbows.