ISDS Case Map
AGOA
African Growth and Opportuntities Act
South Africa must tread carefully in its economic relationships to avoid being caught in the escalating tension between east and west, and more specifically China and the US.
According to officials, even as trade and investment negotiations with Kenya continue, the US appears to be more interested in the African Continental Free Trade Area and the AGOA agreement.
Kenya and the United States are in advanced talks to extend the African Growth Opportunity Act (Agoa) for another 10 years.
South Africa will motivate for the extension and renewal of the US preferential trade framework the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for itself and other African countries.
Despite US threats that it should be moved to another country, South Africa will continue to host a summit between the US and beneficiaries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in November.
The top US trade official said renewing the nation’s preferential access programme for African products without changes counters the Biden administration’s objectives in global commerce.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in December 2022, between the United States (US) trade representative and the AfCFTA Secretariat at the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit (Summit) in Washington DC.
In a confidential discussion note seen by Daily Maverick, South Africa admits its status as a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act is under threat.
A South African government delegation will embark on a charm offensive in the US this week aiming to defuse tensions with the African nation’s second-biggest trading partner over foreign policy and retain its preferential access to American markets.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty- and quota-free exports from eligible African countries into the United States, is due to expire in 2025.
