Washington DC, July 24 –The 2024 African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum is taking place in Washington, DC, from July 24-26, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and civil society representatives from the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. This year’s theme focuses on reimagining AGOA beyond its 2025 expiration to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai is hosting the event to make AGOA more effective in addressing current challenges and delivering benefits across the African continent. The forum will feature discussions on enhancing U.S.-Africa trade and investment cooperation and advancing regional integration efforts.
The AGOA Forum features several key components across its three-day schedule. Ministers will participate in plenary sessions and breakout discussions during the Ministerial program on July 25-26. Civil society representatives and labor organizations will convene on July 24 for their dedicated forum. The Private Sector Forum, also on July 24, will bring together business leaders, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivering remarks to kick off the event.
AGOA, enacted in 2000, provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products. This is in addition to 5,000 products eligible under the Generalized System of Preferences. To qualify, countries must meet specific criteria related to market-based economies, the rule of law, political pluralism, and worker rights.
The program has helped boost economic growth, promote reforms, and improve U.S.-Africa economic relations over the past two decades. As AGOA approaches its 2025 expiration date, stakeholders are calling for its reauthorization and modernization to continue fostering economic partnerships between the U.S. and Africa.
AFRICA | From July 24-26, 2024, the 21st #AGOA Forum will focus on making AGOA more transformative and driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth. This year’s theme is, “Beyond 2025: Reimagining AGOA for an Inclusive, Sustainable and Prosperous Tomorrow.” #AGOA2024 pic.twitter.com/NhDynSsUM1
— US Africa Media Hub (@AfricaMediaHub) July 17, 2024
