Podcasts about african growth

Are benefits from the African Growth and Opportunities Act (Agoa)  dead in the water after steep US tariffs on Africa are announced? Senegal's parliament approves revisions to a controversial amnesty law And raising awareness of autism in Somali culture Presenter : Audrey Brown Producers: Daniel Dadzie,  Bella Hassan and Yvette Twagiramariya Technical Producer: Chris Kouzaris Senior Producer : Paul Bakibinga Editors: Andre Lombard and Alice Muthengi.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), enacted by the United States in 2000, has long been a cornerstone of trade relations between the U.S. and sub-Saharan Africa. By offering duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 6,500 products, AGOA has aimed to spur economic growth, attract investment, and foster development in eligible African nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) nears its expiration in September 2025, African nations face uncertainty about their trade relationship with the United States. Enacted in 2000, AGOA has provided duty-free access to the U.S. market for over 1,800 products from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, fostering economic growth, job creation, and export diversification—particularly in textiles and apparel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Daybreak Africa: The spread of meningitis in the Northern state of Kebbi began late January with over two hundred suspected cases recorded. Plus, South Sudan women make gains in the field of information technology. Malawi lions given birth control to prevent a population boom. South African President Ramaphosa wants to continue trading with the US through AGOA – the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Europe hosts talk on the details of rearming. For these and more, tune in to Daybreak Africa!

“This is the new reality that we are going to have to face and it is a fantastic opportunity for us to redefine our position away from the US trying to tell us who we can or cannot be, because they really don't care about us” - Ugandan coffee farmer Robert Kabushenga In the year 2000, the United States government set up the African Growth and Opportunity Act also known as AGOA. It's aim was to give qualifying sub-Saharan African countries access to the US market, without paying import taxes, thus promoting economic growth in Africa. But there's no certainty that president Donald Trump will renew the deal when it expires later this year, especially considering many of the moves he's made in recent weeks. His administration cut off financial aid to countries like South Africa and many others around the world. So, what lies ahead for trade relations between Africa and the United States? Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guests: Ugandan coffee farmer Robert Kabushenga, Eswatini economics lecturer Sanele Sibiya and South African exporter Nhlanhla Dlamini

Since 2000, African countries eligible for preferential market access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have seen a considerable increase in their exports to the US. But that piece of legislation comes up for renewal this year – while President Donald Trump and his protectionist views on global trade are in power. We take a look at what that could mean for key export sectors in Africa. Finally, our correspondents in Mexico look at how the local auto industry is dealing with the threat of tariffs.

Bongani Bingwa speaks with Dr. Naledi Pandor, former International Relations Minister and Chair of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, responds to US President Donald Trump's executive order freezing aid to South Africa over a contentious law that allows the government to seize farmland from ethnic minorities and the fear of being excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes talks to Shane Naidoo, Global Treasury and Trade Management Services Specialist at Nedbank Commercial Banking, about the implications of Trump's tariffs on the African Growth and Opportunity Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nigeria-America Chamber of Commerce has appealed to the incoming Trump administration to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, and the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, or PEPFA. President of the chamber Sheriff Balogun told VOA's Chinedu Offor, these policies will boost regional economic growth.

Welcome to Mormon News Roundup Episode 141 (December 8, 2024)! Dive into this week's most compelling LDS headlines, including: Why the Mormon Church is experiencing significant growth in Africa

In this Founders Connect episode, we sit down with the team behind Norrsken Foundation and Norrsken 22: Niklas Adalberth, Hans Otterling, and Lexi Novitske. Niklas opens up about his upbringing and shares why he decided to leave Klarna, offering a unique perspective on the balance between money and happiness. Hans reflects on his own early years and provides his vision for the African tech ecosystem over the next 5-10 years, including his experience investing in Spotify. Lexi gives us an inside look at the collaborative efforts of the Norrsken 22 team. We also discuss the types of companies in Africa that Norrsken 22 is keen to invest in, offering valuable insights into the future of tech and entrepreneurship on the continent. This episode is for anyone interested in the future of African tech

On this week's episode of the Trade Guys, we dissect the recent African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) trade ministerial in Quito, and the WTO Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Electronic Commerce.  

The youth are getting thrifty – how Gen Z and Millennials are reclaiming their financial power. Then, Kabelo Gwamanda must go! But is he the only one to blame for Joburg's ruin? Later, an illegal military training camp in Mpumalanga. How did government miss it? And gold, silver and bronze – our Olympic athletes are bringing home the medals. But first, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (known as AGOA) is once again topping the agenda as the United States is seemingly warming to the idea of keeping South Africa around as a trade partner. Meanwhile, the Minister of Trade and Industry and his Deputy are confident our membership will be renewed. But there's still a lot that could happen between now and September next year. Carte Blanche Website · Chat on X · Chat on Facebook

In an interview with BizNews, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Andrew Whitfield shared his vision for revitalizing South Africa's economy and enhancing its relationship with the United States through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Emphasizing the critical need for data-driven policies and robust intergovernmental collaboration, Whitfield discussed the importance of addressing inefficiencies and fostering private sector partnerships. His strategic approach aims to transform economic growth and job creation, making South Africa a more attractive destination for investment. The interview provides an insightful look into the government's plans to leverage AGOA's benefits while tackling pressing economic challenges.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau following his visit to the US for the 21st African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) Summit. The Minister tells Bongani that SA will have discussions with both presidential candidates in the run-up to the US elections in November in its efforts to secure continued access to the African Growth and Agoa. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some members of the U.S. Congress have called for South Africa to be excluded from the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a U.S. program that grants duty-free access to the enormous U.S. market for many South African exports. Zaheer Cassim reports from Johannesburg on South Africa's effort to remain eligible for the trade program and its evolving relationship with the US.

A South African delegation is currently in the United States to lobby against a Senate review of the bilateral relations between the two countries. Last month, the House of Representatives passed a law requiring a comprehensive assessment of the bilateral relations, which could potentially harm trade ties and jeopardize South Africa's participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA is a trade agreement that grants South Africa and 30 other African countries duty-free access to the US market. Trade and Industry Minister Parks Tau has indicated that the delegation will utilize the upcoming AGOA Summit in Washington, D.C. as an opportunity to push back against the review. For more on this Elvis Presslin spoke to Political and Economic risk analyst, Marisa Lourenço, who will provide further insights on this matter

Greetings Glocal Citizens! I met Elike Kofi Nkansa, a multifaceted creative with a background in literature and art with a keen interest in fine detailng, one afternoon at a place called the Green Butterfly Market (https://greenbutterflyghana.com/greenbutterflymarket/) in Accra. He was seated in front of a beautiful portrait tapestry which I eventually purchased after visiting his flagship boutique and seeing a sampling of his portfolio. He trained as an architect and is the designer for his fashion brand, Elike Clothing which has become a household name, particularly in Ghana, and he has clothed many eminent personalites. He is currently costumier for three-time Grammy nominated artiste Rocky Dawuni (https://rockydawuni.com). Elike was selected amongst 14 other garment manufacturers in Ghana to spearhead an effort in mass production under AGOA (https://agoa.info/about-agoa.html)--African Growth and Opportunities Act, through which his enterprise gained the requisite training to engage in mass apparel and textile production. His brand is minimalist afrocentric and heavily inclined in technically and functionally artistic design. He mentors young artisans in the fashion industry helping to release fresh creativity into the fashion space. Through his art he hopes to forge closer bonds of peace and kinship between peoples wilst empowering women and youth. Where to find Elike? www.elikeclothing.com On Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069978938042) What's Elike reading? War and Peace (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace) by Leo Tolstoy Works by Robert Greene (https://powerseductionandwar.com) What's Elike watching? Guest Who's Coming to Dinner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guess_Who%27s_Coming_to_Dinner) Kramer vs. Kramer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kramer_vs._Kramer) Other topics of interest: Leklebi Dafor (https://mapcarta.com/N7234270840) Coffee and Togo (https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/12/coffee-production-in-togo/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMore%20than%2040%2C000%20households%20in,farmers%20who%20also%20produce%20cocoa.) About the game Chaskele (https://www.theghanareport.com/games-that-entertained-children-in-the-90s/) RIBA - Royal Institute of British Architects (https://www.architecture.com) Ghana Institute of Architects (https://gia.com.gh) About technical pens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_pen) About the Peugot 504 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_504#:~:text=The%20504%20was%20elected%20European,visibility%2C%20strong%20engine%20and%20refinement.) About Ricci Osei (https://humansofafrica.net/ricci-osei-a-cultural-and-artistic-icon/#google_vignette) and son, Reggie Rockstone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Rockstone) About UT Bank's Kofi Amoabeng (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Kofi_Amoabeng) William Blake's The Chimney Sweeper (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chimney_Sweeper) About Ambassador D.K Osei (https://web.facebook.com/gbcghana/videos/3331626410408171) Special Guest: Elike Nkansa.

Greetings Glocal Citizens! I met Elike Kofi Nkansa, a multifaceted creative with a background in literature and art with a keen interest in fine detailng, one afternoon at a place called the Green Butterfly Market (https://greenbutterflyghana.com/greenbutterflymarket/) in Accra. He was seated in front of a beautiful portrait tapestry which I eventually purchased after visiting his flagship boutique and seeing a sampling of his portfolio. He trained as an architect and is the designer for his fashion brand, Elike Clothing which has become a household name, particularly in Ghana, and he has clothed many eminent personalites. He is currently costumier for three-time Grammy nominated artiste Rocky Dawuni (https://rockydawuni.com). Elike was selected amongst 14 other garment manufacturers in Ghana to spearhead an effort in mass production under AGOA (https://agoa.info/about-agoa.html)--African Growth and Opportunities Act, through which his enterprise gained the requisite training to engage in mass apparel and textile production. His brand is minimalist afrocentric and heavily inclined in technically and functionally artistic design. He mentors young artisans in the fashion industry helping to release fresh creativity into the fashion space. Through his art he hopes to forge closer bonds of peace and kinship between peoples wilst empowering women and youth. Where to find Elike? www.elikeclothing.com On Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069978938042) What's Elike reading? War and Peace (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_Peace) by Leo Tolstoy Works by Robert Greene (https://powerseductionandwar.com) What's Elike watching? Guest Who's Coming to Dinner (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guess_Who%27s_Coming_to_Dinner) Kramer vs. Kramer (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kramer_vs._Kramer) Other topics of interest: Leklebi Dafor (https://mapcarta.com/N7234270840) Coffee and Togo (https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/12/coffee-production-in-togo/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMore%20than%2040%2C000%20households%20in,farmers%20who%20also%20produce%20cocoa.) About the game Chaskele (https://www.theghanareport.com/games-that-entertained-children-in-the-90s/) RIBA - Royal Institute of British Architects (https://www.architecture.com) Ghana Institute of Architects (https://gia.com.gh) About technical pens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technical_pen) About the Peugot 504 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peugeot_504#:~:text=The%20504%20was%20elected%20European,visibility%2C%20strong%20engine%20and%20refinement.) About Ricci Osei (https://humansofafrica.net/ricci-osei-a-cultural-and-artistic-icon/#google_vignette) and son, Reggie Rockstone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Rockstone) About UT Bank's Kofi Amoabeng (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Kofi_Amoabeng) William Blake's The Chimney Sweeper (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chimney_Sweeper) About Ambassador D.K Osei (https://web.facebook.com/gbcghana/videos/3331626410408171) Special Guest: Elike Nkansa.

This week we report on Kenyan President William Ruto's visit to Washington, D.C., the first by an African leader since 2008. We dig into what the occasion means for the relationship between Kenya and the wider African continent, including whether it will lead to closer economic ties between the United States and Africa as a whole. During the conversation, we also look back at our interview with Sen. Chris Coons about the visit, in which we discussed the African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, and the U.S. Africa policy. We are also keeping a close eye on the farm bill — a $1.5 trillion piece of legislation that shapes food assistance both within the United States and abroad. While the legislation largely focuses on domestic policy, it also governs the operations of Food for Peace, a flagship food assistance program that distributes American-grown commodities across the globe. However, it has been proposed that at least 50% of funds should go toward U.S.-grown commodities and ocean freight. As the reauthorization negotiations continue, we explore the importance of these funds for communities in the global south and contemplate what the potential outcomes of the discussions could be. On the topic of food systems, we also look at a story that explores how Vanuatu is stepping up its efforts to enhance food security by combining traditional practices with modern technology. For the latest episode of the podcast series, Devex Managing Editor Anna Gawel sits down with David Barth from Save the Children and Devex Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger to discuss these stories and others. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

South Africa is playing all sides when it comes to foreign policy as the country seeks to position itself as a leading voice of the Global South, and the approach seems to be working - so far. The Brics group of developing nations held its annual summit in South Africa last year and the Group of 20 is set to follow suit in 2025, highlighting Pretoria's growing international sway. President Cyril Ramaphosa's efforts to secure vaccines for Africa during the Covid-19 pandemic, help broker an end to Russia's war in Ukraine and bring a genocide case against Israel at the International Criminal Court over its Gaza campaign have further enhanced its profile, despite the mixed results. South Africa, which is confronting a plethora of domestic problems, has long maintained that it adopts a non-aligned position when it comes to international relations. But its increasingly close ties with China, refusal to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and anti-Israel stance have raised concern in the US and European Union. There haven't yet been repercussions, in part because South Africa remains a key export destination and source of minerals. The USSR and Palestinian groups took a far more proactive stance against apartheid than most Western governments, which partially explains Pretoria's allegiances. US legislators this month dropped a call for an immediate review of South Africa's preferential access to US markets under the African Growth and Opportunity Act when they tabled a revamped bipartisan bill in the Senate that proposes extending the trade pact until 2041. Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho, had criticized South Africa's eligibility, saying its actions subverted US national security and foreign-policy interests. The US maintains a strong and multifaceted relationship with South Africa that is based on shared values and interests, and is committed to working together to promote global peace, security and bilateral trade among other priorities, a State Department spokesperson said in an emailed response to questions. "South Africa is a sovereign country that can make its own decisions about how to engage with Russia and the People's Republic of China," the spokesperson said. "We're focused on making our relationship even stronger, to the benefit of Americans and South Africans, and we aren't distracted by what others are doing. We recognise the deeply held view by South Africa on the status of Palestinians. We share concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and are actively leading efforts to address it." The EU this month reemphasised its close links with South Africa, the only nation on the continent with which it has a so-called strategic partnership, and said the two plan to hold a bilateral summit. "South Africa is risking the ire of the West, but it's a calculated risk," said Daniel Silke, the director of Cape Town-based Political Futures Consultancy. "There is a push by the Global South and Brics to increase its global assertiveness and South Africa has played a leading role. That gives her a degree of clout and a degree of strength, and makes her less likely to feel as though she needs to be ultra-careful when it comes to dealing with the West." With elections due to take place in South Africa on May 29, the government has sought to portray its enhanced international role and independent positioning as major accomplishments - although foreign policy has historically played little role in swaying voters. Instead, the ruling African National Congress faces a backlash over its failure to tackle rolling blackouts and rampant poverty and unemployment. The party of Nelson Mandela risks losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since it took power three decades ago. South Africa isn't completely in the clear with the US. Its access to Agoa could still be revoked if it's found to have violated the qualifying criteria, including respecting human rights and democracy. Two-way trade between the two nations amo...

Lumkile Mondi, Senior Lecturer at Wits Business School, and Stavros Nicolaou, Member of the SA BRICS Business Council, joins host Motheo Khoaripe to delve into the topic of US lawmakers' efforts to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade pact with Africa, until 2041.   Daniel Morgan, analyst at Ninety-ONE discusses the combination of an energy transition, along with nearshoring, geopolitics, demographics, technology and public investment that is driving a global capex cycle in our Money Show Explainer.  In our Friday File, car expert Warren Tucker delved into the question of whether purchasing a pre-owned luxury car is a worthwhile investment, given the associated maintenance costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lumkile Mondi, Senior Lecturer at Wits Business School, and Stavros Nicolaou, Member of the SA BRICS Business Council, join host Motheo Khoaripe to delve into the topic of US lawmakers' efforts to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade pact with Africa, until 2041See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Cyril Ramaphosa averred on Monday that the suggestion that South Africa's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could lead to a deterioration of its relations with the US is unfounded. South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice, where it argued that the actions of the Israeli military in Gaza violated international law and included actions that are prohibited under the Genocide Convention, to which South Africa, Israel and many other countries are signatories. Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that South Africa's application to the court was consistent not only with its obligations as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, but also the call it had always made for an inclusive negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This as US lawmakers are discussing a Bill to review the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the US amid geopolitical differences. However, Ramaphosa said South Africa's relationship with the US was characterised by "mutual respect" and a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue even on issues where countries may differ. "Even on contentious issues - such as the docking of a Russian ship in Simonstown in late 2022, the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the current conflict in Gaza - the South African and US governments have been able to share views in a frank and open manner," he said. Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa had strong economic, political and social ties with the US. "We remember the support from the American people during our struggle for democracy. Over the last 30 years, we have had, and continue to have, a supportive, mutually beneficial and cooperative relationship between our two countries," he said. He explained that South Africa and the US have firm and expanding trade and investment ties, adding that South Africa was home to more than 600 US companies and the US was the second largest destination for South African exports. Some of the country's large companies, such as Sasol, had made significant investments in key economic sectors in the US, Ramaphosa pointed out. An important part of the economic ties between South Africa and the US is the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which grants qualifying African countries duty-free access to the US market for their exports. Ramaphosa noted that the recent Agoa Forum, held in South Africa in November last year, confirmed the value of Agoa to Africa's industrialisation and integration and to the diversification of its economies. He highlighted that the trade and investment ties that had been developed through Agoa, provide a platform for US investors to participate in the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area. "We also welcome US participation in the Just Energy Transition Partnership alongside a growing number of other countries. South Africa has great opportunities for investment in the green economy and for the supply of critical minerals for the global energy transition," he said. Ramaphosa explained that there was great potential to further develop South Africa's relationship with the US and to find ways to work together for a more peaceful, stable and just world". He said South Africa will continue to seek firm and friendly relations with other countries "in pursuit of a better world". Meanwhile, he highlighted that South Africa has consistently called for the application of international law, condemning the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians on 7 October last year and calling for the release of hostages. He said South Africa will continue to call for an immediate ceasefire, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and meaningful negotiations towards a lasting solution.

Discover the catalysts of technological growth and innovation in Africa with Kissi, a trailblazer who's steering multiple tech ventures and a non-profit aimed at reshaping the continent's economic narrative. This episode promises to unveil the intricacies of integrating local talent and knowledge into business strategies that thrive amidst Africa's unique market dynamics. Kissi's journey from problem-solving engineer to an influential thought leader unfolds, revealing his methods for enhancing local business efficiencies and his relentless pursuit of accessible data for budding entrepreneurs.As we recount the wisdom shared at Peduasa Lodge, we grasp the profound significance of involving the African diaspora in fueling the continent's prosperity. The dialogue shifts to the financial sphere, dissecting the trials faced by local banking institutions and my own evolution in conducting business within Africa. Understanding the importance of building influence rather than imposing change, we dissect strategies for leveraging the wealth of African talent and adapting to the economic landscape to cultivate lasting success.Closing the conversation, we celebrate the transformative power of learning and problem-solving, as shared through my academic pursuits from engineering to software development. Kevin, a former Principal Engineer Manager at Microsoft, joins us to underscore the impact of unwavering determination and continuous learning on career progression. This episode is more than a discussion—it's a testament to the enduring influence of education and strategic thinking on personal growth and professional excellence within the tech industry.Support the showWatch the video episode of this on YouTube - https://linktr.ee/konnectedminds

On 1 January, US President Joe Biden issued a proclamation banning the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger and Uganda from participating in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), he also re-entered Mauritania back into the fold. John Maytham speaks to Peter Fabricius analyst on foreign policy issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) bloc, announced during the fifteenth yearly Brics Summit in August, has raised questions about South Africa's role in the group and whether the perceived spurning of its more traditional allies and trade partners will have adverse effects going forward. The new members, which have been invited to join from 2024, are Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The general consensus is that the Brics expansion is meant to enhance the group's global influence and aid a transition to a "multipolar world", in part by reducing the dominance of the US dollar. South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) African Governance and Diplomacy Programme head Steven Gruzd notes that bolstering numbers is a tried-and-true method of expanding clout, noting that both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation sought to increase membership to elevate their reach and scale of influence. "The more countries behind you, the louder your voice becomes. So, expansion, in this instance, translates to more political clout. But make no mistake; the Group of Seven States are likely to remain dominant for now, although China is exerting its diplomatic heft to a much greater degree." Further, the expansion of the Brics market reinforces the group's economic power, "even if it remains a loose club rather than a firm, exclusive alliance". Gruzd adds that the inclusion of several major oil producers and some of the members' geographical importance on major sea lanes, including the Suez Canal, the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Straits, will "add to the club's overall power". Gruzd tells Engineering News & Mining Weekly that, while the new entrants want to be part of something "successful, with momentum" and which seems to have an ideological affinity with strengthening a multipolar world, "some tensions will be imported into Brics". These include issues pertaining to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the resulting "standoff' on the Nile between Ethiopia and Egypt, as well as the Middle Eastern rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. There is also the continued tension relating to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the escalation of the long simmering Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as friction between India and China on numerous issues. Gruzd says that the Brics organisation clearly believes that issues between members can be contained or "ever ameliorated"; however, the members' individual relationships with the rest of the global community are trickier to manage, especially when many of the new members, and a significant chunk of the old ones, have been critical of the existing West-orientated world order. "For example, as international geopolitics becomes an ever-more-complex web, closer relations with Iran through Brics could place strain on South Africa's fragile relations with the US vis-à-vis Ukraine, and now the Israel-Hamas war too. There is much speculation that African Growth and Opportunity Act membership could be in jeopardy, although the South African government has tried to dispel this, including by sending special envoys to Washington. "International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor visiting Tehran will not be seen as constructive in the West, nor will her telephone calls to Hamas leadership." He notes that, while the inclusion of Iran may "make things more complicated", South Africa maintaining relationships with 'controversial' countries is nothing new, as it has had strong ties with Iran for decades, including defending it in international fora regarding its nuclear programme and on sanctions. Gruzd says that the long-term security and trade implications of the Brics expansion are challenging to identify at this stage. "From a trade perspective, it's hard to tell whether there will be adverse impacts on future trade for South Africa. We needn't see this as a stark 'either or' cho...

The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) bloc, announced during the fifteenth yearly Brics Summit in August, has raised questions about South Africa's role in the group and whether the perceived spurning of its more traditional allies and trade partners will have adverse effects going forward. The new members, which have been invited to join from 2024, are Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The general consensus is that the Brics expansion is meant to enhance the group's global influence and aid a transition to a "multipolar world", in part by reducing the dominance of the US dollar. South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) African Governance and Diplomacy Programme head Steven Gruzd notes that bolstering numbers is a tried-and-true method of expanding clout, noting that both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation sought to increase membership to elevate their reach and scale of influence. "The more countries behind you, the louder your voice becomes. So, expansion, in this instance, translates to more political clout. But make no mistake; the Group of Seven States are likely to remain dominant for now, although China is exerting its diplomatic heft to a much greater degree." Further, the expansion of the Brics market reinforces the group's economic power, "even if it remains a loose club rather than a firm, exclusive alliance". Gruzd adds that the inclusion of several major oil producers and some of the members' geographical importance on major sea lanes, including the Suez Canal, the Straits of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Straits, will "add to the club's overall power". Gruzd tells Engineering News & Mining Weekly that, while the new entrants want to be part of something "successful, with momentum" and which seems to have an ideological affinity with strengthening a multipolar world, "some tensions will be imported into Brics". These include issues pertaining to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the resulting "standoff' on the Nile between Ethiopia and Egypt, as well as the Middle Eastern rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia. There is also the continued tension relating to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the escalation of the long simmering Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as friction between India and China on numerous issues. Gruzd says that the Brics organisation clearly believes that issues between members can be contained or "ever ameliorated"; however, the members' individual relationships with the rest of the global community are trickier to manage, especially when many of the new members, and a significant chunk of the old ones, have been critical of the existing West-orientated world order. "For example, as international geopolitics becomes an ever-more-complex web, closer relations with Iran through Brics could place strain on South Africa's fragile relations with the US vis-à-vis Ukraine, and now the Israel-Hamas war too. There is much speculation that African Growth and Opportunity Act membership could be in jeopardy, although the South African government has tried to dispel this, including by sending special envoys to Washington. "International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor visiting Tehran will not be seen as constructive in the West, nor will her telephone calls to Hamas leadership." He notes that, while the inclusion of Iran may "make things more complicated", South Africa maintaining relationships with 'controversial' countries is nothing new, as it has had strong ties with Iran for decades, including defending it in international fora regarding its nuclear programme and on sanctions. Gruzd says that the long-term security and trade implications of the Brics expansion are challenging to identify at this stage. "From a trade perspective, it's hard to tell whether there will be adverse impacts on future trade for South Africa. We needn't see this as a stark 'either or' cho...

A US senator has written a document proposing several amendments to legislation renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), including that there should be an immediate review of South Africa's status for preferential trade access. Democratic Senator Chris Coons's discussion draft for the Agoa Renewal Act of 2023 proposes that the programme, which is expiring in 2025, should be extended by 16 years. He says that while the US president currently reviews the eligibility of countries annually, this should be changed to every three years. He, however, also recommended that the US "undertake an immediate out-of-cycle review of South Africa", no later than 30 days after the legislation is enacted. Coons, who chairs the US Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, was part of a group of both Democratic and Republican legislators who asked the White House to move the Agoa summit away from South Africa, accusing it of deepening its military relationship with Russia. The group also questioned South Africa's eligibility for trade benefits under Agoa. Coons has close ties with South Africa, and in his youth volunteered with the South African Council of Churches, then led by late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. In 1986, he published a book about the anti-apartheid disinvestment movement among US universities. In the end, the Agoa summit was still hosted in South Africa last week, and the country continues to push to remain part of Agoa. There has, however, been significant pushback from US lawmakers, with Republican senator Jim Risch last week expressing concern over South Africa's geopolitical stance. "I was also disappointed to learn that South Africa will remain fully eligible for Agoa's duty-free trade preferences in 2024, despite South Africa's continued actions that subvert US national security and foreign policy interests," he said in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US trade representative Katherine Tai. "South Africa's relationship with Russia, and most recently with Iran and Hamas, undermine necessary eligibility safeguards in the Agoa statute, and the administration failed to take standard formal actions to communicate Agoa-related concerns to South Africa through a warning letter or demarche. "The administration's handling of Agoa, exemplified by its posture toward South Africa, make it clear that Congress must take course-correcting action." SA's Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel told SAfm on Monday that the country was proposing a two-stage renewal process for Agoa. "[This is] so that we move rapidly to consolidate what we have and then sit down and work through how we can improve it," the minister said. Patel said, in response to a question on the criticism by US politicians, that that country's "political system is such that you are never going to get absolute unanimity on anything." "What we have tried to do… is build bipartisan support. Over the last few days, we have had very significant support expressed for Agoa. "There is no question about it - the appetite for the extension of Agoa has grown enormously, and it is the first part of what South Africa is seeking to do. "Once we have got that locked in, then it is a matter of ensuring that we get the widest coverage. We have built very strong support within the business community, both in the United States and in South Africa, for the extension of Agoa and for the inclusion, not only of South Africa, but all of the countries that are currently the beneficiaries," Patel said. Agoa gives duty-free access to 25% of South African exports to the US, SA's second-biggest single-country trading partner after China.

The 40th forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which offers duty-free access to the United States economy for 20 African countries, has concluded and appears that concerns about South Africa potentially losing its benefits due to the 'Lady R' diplomatic spat and its support for Hamas and Iran have abated. South Africa is advocating for an early 2024 renewal of AGOA in the U.S. Congress, as the current agreement is set to expire in September 2025. In an interview with Biznews, Renai Moothilal, the CEO of the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) said while it is challenging to predict the outcome until a formal announcement by the U.S. Congress, a strong case has been made for the continuation of AGOA. Moothilal said the automotive industry plays a significant role in the South African economy contributing to 5% of GDP and employing 110,000 people primarily in component manufacturing. AGOA, he said, is vital for the industry's competitiveness and ability to maintain volume. Moothilal pointed out that South Africa exports a substantial number of vehicles and components to the U.S., which accounted for R24 billion in exports last year. He explained that South Africa contributes less than 1% to global auto production and it can't afford to lose any markets, making AGOA crucial for the sector's growth. Commenting on the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs) he said that component manufacturers are already adapting to technology changes and are prepared for the shift to EVS.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that if extended beyond 2025 for a lengthy period, and if used more effectively, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) can contribute significantly to the further diversification of African economies. Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that Agoa is an important instrument for growing and transforming South Africa's economy with the benefits felt through increased economic activity and the jobs created from this. The US trade initiative, which came to be in 2000, is set to expire in September 2025. It has been renewed twice since it came to pass. Last week South Africa hosted the twentieth Agoa Forum, in Johannesburg, where the case for the extension, or reauthorisation, of Agoa beyond 2025 was made. Ramaphosa said the latest extension of Agoa, could enable countries to produce a wider range of products using the abundance of minerals, metals and agricultural goods produced. "The extension of Agoa could also encourage the further development of value chains across different countries. We have already seen this happening in South Africa's automotive industry, for example. Local automotive companies source leather car seats from Lesotho, wiring harnesses from Botswana, copper wiring from Zambia, steering wheel components from Tunisia and rubber from Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Malawi, Ghana and Cameroon. The vehicles are finally fully manufactured in South Africa then exported to the US duty-free under Agoa," he said. Ramaphosa explained that the value of Agoa to African countries, however, extended beyond the impressive trade statistics. He added that Agoa could make an important contribution to the transformation of African countries from mainly being exporters of raw materials to producers of finished goods for both continental and global markets. "By enabling African countries to have preferential access to the US market, this opportunity incentivises African countries to develop and export value-added goods and services. This does and will continue to reduce Africa's dependence on primary commodities and enhance its ability to participate in global value chains," he added. Ramaphosa noted that another important element of Agoa is that it has a capacity for building a technical assistance component that supports African countries in meeting the requirements for accessing the US market. He said this assistance helps improve Africa's competitiveness by enhancing skills, knowledge and infrastructure, enabling African businesses to meet international standards. "Africa has been advocating for the integration of continental economies for a long time. Agoa encourages regional integration among African countries. To fully benefit from Agoa, countries are finding that it is far better to work together to increase production capacities, harmonise standards and develop regional value chains. This is demonstrated by the experience of 10 countries, including South Africa, in the production of motor vehicles exported to the US. This promotes cooperation, economic integration and the growth of larger regional markets within Africa," said Ramaphosa.

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA forum concluded in JHB yesterday. The forum was set to strengthen trade relations between the United States and the rest of the African continent. Some analysts say the African countries stand to enhance their economies by being part of such agreements as AGOA. Given the recent tussle between the US and South Africa- how beneficial is it for us to continue being part or taking part in such trade agreements? Are ordinary people reaping the benefits of the AGOA agreement?  Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Miyelani Mkhabela, Founding Director and CEO at Antswisa Management Group AND  Prof. André Thomashausen. Professor Emeritus of Comparative and International Law, Unisa... 

Siphamandla Zondi, professor of politics and international relations at the University of Johannesburg and Patrick Bond, political economist, and Distinguished Professor of Sociology discuss, strengthening economic ties between the US and sub-Saharan Africa, during  African Growth and Opportunity Act forum, the significance of the trading relationship with the US what conversation and expectations of the forum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his opening address at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg , President Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates that the 20th AGOA Forum is taking place in Africa, a continent with significant potential for industrialization and job creation. The US is working with African countries to diversify international supply chains of critical minerals, focusing on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The forum aims to ensure the legislation achieves its objectives and reaches its full potential, with reforms to make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses. The forum also aims to promote work and bring the voices of American and African workers together. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Auto Motive Council CEO Michael Mabasa

As the number of internally displaced persons rises to record levels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we look at the devastating impact the ongoing conflict is having on children. Also how does Africa benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), signed into law by the United States, 23 years ago? And we speak to one woman, Amira Adawe, who is determined to highlight the dangers of using skin lightening products.

Today is the first day of the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Johannesburg which will be running from Nov 2-4 to discuss the United States' flagship trade programme for the continent. To discuss the impact of this forum and the possible outcomes we are joined by Dr Mpumelelo Mkhabela, political analyst and Eckart Naumann, Economist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ebrahim Patel Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa discusses expectation the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) labour forum,  trade agreement officially  set to expire in two years, requiring congressional approval for re-authorisation any concerns about unfavourable winds due to domestic US politics.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German president wraps up Zambia visit+++20th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum opens in Johannesburg

South Africa will host the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA Forum in Nasrec, Johannesburg. AGOA is an American legislation that allows Sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to U.S. markets. More than 2,000 delegates are expected to attend the Forum. South Africa's non-alignment role in the Ukraine-Russia war and its solidarity with Palestine in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has created uncertainty on whether the US will include South Africa in Agoa's extension and renewal. For more on this, Elvis Presslin was joined in studio by Mr. David S. Feldmann, a Mission Spokesperson at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria

All eyes are on Johannesburg as it hosts the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum from Thursday to Saturday. US officials and their counterparts in Africa will discuss Washington, DC's flagship trade program for the continent. AGOA provides duty-free access to the US market for most agricultural and manufactured products exported by eligible African countries. The trade pact has also been renewed twice and is due to expire in September 2025. Sakina Kamwendo Spoke to US Embassy Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Don Graves   

Today is the first day of the USA-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which brings together the governments of the USA and AGOA-eligible countries, the private sector, civil society, and labor to discuss trade and investment issues. AGOA is American legislation that allows Sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to U.S. markets. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Economist Miyelani Mkhabela 

The South African government, in partnership with the United States government, is hosting the 2023 African Growth Opportunity Act (Agoa) forum in Nasrec, Johannesburg. Agoa is a United States Trade Act that greatly enhanced the US market for beneficiaries of sub-Saharan African countries. Currently, there are 35 African countries. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Cosatu Parliamentary Coordinator Mathew Parks and Economist Miyelani Mkhabela

Today, Les, Jess, Jamil and Morgan discuss the Biden Administration giving Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic the boot from a special US-Africa trade program - the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) - due to Niger and Gabon's dictatorial takeovers and CAR and Uganda's violations of human rights. AGOA is set to expire in 2025, and the geopolitical landscape both across Africa and in the U.S. is much different than when AGOA first passed in 2000.What does the future of AGOA and U.S.-Africa trade look like? What's our assessment of how President Biden and Congress is doing when it comes to Africa policies and programs? How can the Biden Administration reimagine U.S.-Africa relations?Hear our experts debate these issues and more in 10 minutes on our latest episode of Fault Lines! Want to learn more about this topic? Check out these articles that our experts used to frame our discussion: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-67236251https://www.csis.org/analysis/beyond-2025-future-african-growth-and-opportunity-acthttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/us/politics/niger-coup-biden-declaration.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2023/10/26/pepfar-funding-delays-hiv-abortion/Follow our experts on Twitter: @notTVJessJones@jamil_n_jaffer @lestermunson@morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

African leaders, US representatives, and the private sector will be gathering at Nasrec in Johannesburg on November 2 to attend The AGOA Business Forum. This forum will explore ways for Sub-Saharan African countries to build industrial capacity and regional value chains to take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – a trade programme initiated by the United States to foster greater economic ties with Sub-Saharan Africa by allowing preferential access to the US market through tariff-free exports. Standard Bank is a key sponsor of the forum and the bank's CEO for Corporate and Investment Banking, Kenny Fihla spoke to Business Day TV about the success and importance of AGOA ahead of the event.

Prof. Adrian Saville, GIBS Professor of Economics, Finance, and Strategy, and Prof. Gilbert Khadiagala, GIBS Professor of International Relations and Director of the African Centre for the Study of the United States, spoke about the upcoming AGOA forum and what is at stake for South Africa and the continent as a whole. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africa will be looking to get more from its trade ties with the US, as the nation prepares to host the African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum. Business Day TV spoke to Stanlib's Chief Economist, Kevin Lings about how South Africa can capitalise on the AGOA Forum.

Today marks nine years since Senzo Meyiwa was killed in his then-girlfriend, Kelly Khumalo's Vosloorus home. Follow up on the Gold-One mine situation. Have all the mineworkers resurfaced, and what's the way forward with the battle of the unions that led to the drama unfolding? Inquiry into deadly Marshalltown fire gets underway. Police are destroying R800 million worth of drugs tomorrow. Details around where it's being held are being kept a secret. It starts at 07:00. Only one person per media organisation is allowed so that Thabiso will film. Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel will provide a comprehensive update on South Africa's preparedness for hosting the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum and insights into the forthcoming program. Your attendance and coverage are highly valued. The KZN Education Department holds a media briefing on the state of education, especially in light of the recent storms. Several schools were damaged. Monday marks the start of the matric exams. Mandy's book of the week, Bounce: How to Raise Resilient Kids and Teens, is an easy-to-read, effective guide that can make an immediate difference to your parenting approach and relationship with your children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel has been briefing the media on the preparedness of South Africa to host the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum from the 2nd to the 4th of November 2023 in Johannesburg.  Patel highlighted the importance for South Africa to host the forum as well as insights into the forthcoming program. AGOA was signed into law on 18 May 2000 to encourage African countries to open their economies and build free trade markets. Sakina Kamwendo dpoke to reporter, Naledi Ngcobo.

US Senator John Kennedy is pushing for an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act |(AGOA) until 2045 in an effort to counter China's growing influence in the region. Business Day TV spoke to Business Day journalist, Thando Maeko for more perspective on the move.

If Donald Trump returns to the White House for another stint of President of the US, he may want to renegotiate the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). And those could be tough negotiations because Trump would want his pound of flesh. So says Dr Edward Mienie, the Executive Director of the Strategic Studies Programme & Partnerships and Professor of Strategic & Security Studies at the University of North Georgia in Atlanta. Dr Mienie, a former diplomat for both the National Party (NP) and the African National Congress (ANC) governments, speaks to BizNews as speculation mounts across the world that Trump could pull of another “unthinkable” political victory that would bring about significant shifts in US foreign policy. He says Trump is by far the most popular of the contenders of the Republican Party, and that Democratic Party President Joe Biden is lagging behind. “If he (Trump) wins all of these court cases, or if they fall by the wayside, I'm predicting that it's very likely that he'll move into the White House. And it'll be quite a story…” - Chris Steyn

In this episode, I am joined by flydubai, a very important international airline serving multiple points in Africa, which has just announced a brand new route, taking its African network to 11 destinations in 10 countries. The airline has announced it will serve Mombasa on the east coast of Kenya 4 times per week from January 2024. In this podcast, we hear directly from the airline as to what has prompted this new route announcement and also to get a general feel of FlyDubai's approach to development in Africa, with Sudhir Sreedharan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations at flydubai.  Connect/ Follow Sudhir on LinkedIn here For those listening, you can now head across to our new website www.AviaDev.com to see the theme for our 2024 event and get a flavour of our event plans.  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating to enable us to be found by even more people, and feel free to share the link with someone in your network that you think would benefit from listening.

Amid diplomatic tensions with the US over an alleged sale of arms to Russia, South Africa continues to make a case for its ongoing designation as a beneficiary of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which extends preferential trade access to the American market on certain goods. South Africa is having virtual oral representations with the US government beginning today to keep the trade benefits provided by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). Agoa is due to expire in 2025, and there has been much speculation that it might be replaced with new trade agreements between the US and African countries. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Senior Researcher at Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, Dr Mmatlou Kalaba.. 

The African Growth and Opportunity Act, or AGOA, gives duty-free access for exports to the American market, and has done for 23 years. South Africa is one of the countries that has benefitted – but now its inclusion in doubt due to allegations from the US that it has violated its neutrality and supplied weapons to Russia - something South Africa denies. So what would being pushed out of AGOA mean for the country? Plus we hear from Ethiopia – it has been suspended from AGOA due to the the war in Tigray - we hear from an economist in Addis Ababa who disputes the benefits of these trade agreements to Africa. Presented by Ahmed Adan with reporting by Russell Padmore. (Image: An Ivory Coast stand at the 2019 AGOA forum, showcasing products on the market. Credit: Getty Images)

The President/General of the Universal African Peoples Organization checks into our classroom on Monday morning. Zaki Baruti will Preview the Supreme Court's final week of decisions and how they may impact the 2024 elections. Brother Zaki will also discuss the importance of travel. Before, Zaki Veteran Record Executive Eddie Pugh will continue our salute to Black Music Month. Before Eddie, we will review the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGO). The Big Show starts on WOLB at 1010 AM, wolbbaltimore.com, WOL 95.9 FM & 1450 AM & woldcnews.com at 6 am ET., 5 am CT., 3 am PT., and 11 am BST. Call-In # 800 450 7876 to participate, & listen live in the DMV on 104.1hd2 FM, 93.9hd2 FM, & 102.3hd2 FM, Tune In Radio & Alexa. All shows are available for free from your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Premier of the Western Cape Alan Winde joins Mike to explain the motivation for the delegation's current visit to the USA to meet senior officials to save the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of U.S. lawmakers is calling for a U.S.-Africa trade summit planned for later this year to be moved from South Africa in response to what they say is the country's deepening military relationship with Russia. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials, they also suggested South Africa is in danger of losing its benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Elvis Presslin spoke to Senior Analyst at Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy, Dr. Mmatlou Kalaba

Pressure is growing from the West on the South African government, because of its close relationship with Russia. President Cyril Ramaphosa is said to be sending an envoy to the US to discuss its relationship with Russia. Foreign Policy Analyst Peter Fabricius told BizNews that the South African government is concerned about losing the benefits of its inclusion in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA allows Sub-Saharan countries to export products to the United States without tariffs. South Africa contributes the majority of AGOA exports at 56%. Fabricius says South Africa and the Russian leader are likely to wriggle out of the sticky situation of being forced to arrest Putin if he sets foot on South African soil for the BRICS summit. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for the Russian President for war crimes in Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States intends to exclude Burkina Faso from a trade deal that gives exporters in Africa tariff-free access to the American market. President Joe Biden cited Burkina Faso's lack of progress toward protecting the rule of law and political pluralism for terminating the country as a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. US trade representative Katherine Tai says that the US was deeply concerned by the unconstitutional changes in government in Burkina Faso. She asked the government to take necessary actions to meet Agoa's criteria and return to elective democracy.

Witney Schneidman, a Brookings Africa Growth Initiative nonresident fellow, assesses U.S.-Africa relations under the Biden administration, discusses how the next version of the African Growth and Opportunity Act might better support U.S.-Africa trade, and offers recommendations for enhancing U.S. trade and investment in the region. Show notes and transcript: https://brook.gs/3wGRqgh  Foresight Africa podcast is part of the Brookings Podcast Network. Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu, and follow and tweet at @policypodcasts on Twitter.

The United States has cut Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea out of a duty-free trade programme over alleged human rights violations and recent coups. The US Trade Representative says it terminated the three countries from the African Growth and Opportunity Act due to actions taken by each of their governments in violation of the AGOA Statute. It says the US was deeply concerned by the gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by the government of Ethiopia and other parties amid the widening conflict in northern Ethiopia as well as by the unconstitutional change in governments in both Guinea and Mali.

The United States has cut Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea out of a duty-free trade programme over alleged human rights violations and recent coups. The US Trade Representative says it terminated the three countries from the African Growth and Opportunity Act due to actions taken by each of their governments in violation of the AGOA Statute. It says the US was deeply concerned by the gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by the government of Ethiopia and other parties amid the widening conflict in northern Ethiopia as well as by the unconstitutional change in governments in both Guinea and Mali.

The United States has cut Ethiopia, Mali and Guinea out of a duty-free trade programme over alleged human rights violations and recent coups. The US Trade Representative says it terminated the three countries from the African Growth and Opportunity Act due to actions taken by each of their governments in violation of the AGOA Statute. It says the US was deeply concerned by the gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by the government of Ethiopia and other parties amid the widening conflict in northern Ethiopia as well as by the unconstitutional change in governments in both Guinea and Mali.

አቶ ማሞ እስመለዓለም ምህረቱ - የጠቅላይ ሚኒስትር ዐቢይ አሕመድ ገዲብ የምጣኔ ሃብት አማካሪና የኢትዮጵያ ዋና የንግድ ተደራዳሪ፤ በቅርቡ የውጭ ፖሊሲ መጽሔት ላይ የፕሬዚደንት ጆ ባይደን አስተዳደር የAfrican Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) ልዩ ጥቅምን እንዳያጥፍ ለንባብ ያበቁትን መጣጥፍ አስመልክተው ይናገራሉ።

From the BBC World Service: India is the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturer, and the country’s health minister has announced it can resume coronavirus shot exports from next month. And we hear about the factors likely to influence the future of Africa’s tariff free deal for access to U.S. markets, the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

From the BBC World Service: India is the world’s biggest vaccine manufacturer, and the country’s health minister has announced it can resume coronavirus shot exports from next month. And we hear about the factors likely to influence the future of Africa’s tariff free deal for access to U.S. markets, the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

As investors fret about China's crackdown on tech firms, share prices continue to fall. David Kuo is co-founder of the Smart Investor website in Singapore, and explains the background. Also in the programme, we take a close look at prospects for the US's African Growth and Opportunity Act, which gives many African exporters tariff free access to the US, and faces renegotiation ahead of its expiry in four years' time. Pankaj Bedi is chair of Kenya's United Aryan EPZ which has been a beneficiary of the accord. Ekart Naumann is an economist at South Africa's Trade Law Centre and discusses the impact AGOA has had in Africa. And we hear what might replace AGOA from former Assistant US Trade Representative, Rosa Whitaker. Plus, the Qatar Goodwood Festival horse racing event runs until Saturday, and is the first major racing event to be held in the UK since all coronavirus restrictions were lifted just over a week ago. Adam Waterworth is managing director of the event and tells us how the races will differ from those that happened before the pandemic hit.

This week's UK Investor Magazine Podcast with Alan Green covers Next shares (LON:NXT), the Zenova Group (LON:ZED) IPO and an under appreciated African growth story in AirTel Africa (LON:AAF).The FTSE 100 has suffered bouts of volatility over the last week as COVID cases rise globally and concerns about inflation persist. We question whether we could see more meaningful downside in markets in the third quarter and look at the potential buying opportunities in such a circumstance.Next shares gave a boost to the FTSE 100 following a strong trading update that demonstrated the successful shift to online sales during the pandemic. With such bumper sales figures, it does raise the possibility it is simply a result of pent up demand that diminishes through the rest of 2021.We discuss Zenova Group - which popped higher on its IPO - and what the future holds for the innovative fire protection company. Finally there is attention paid to a very fairly priced African growth company that may have flown under the radar. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Judd and Nicole are joined by Silence Charumbira (Lesotho Times and Sunday Express) to discuss opportunities for U.S. engagement with Lesotho, including leveraging the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). They also point to cooperation in the health sector and admire Lesotho's captivating poetry scene.  

In this episode, Vava gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like to be a Kenyan producer in the coffee industry. She shares how local producers, farmers, and prospective entrepreneurs are kept from accessing fair pay and opportunities to participate in the coffee trade, because all of the major farmlands are owned by whyte companies. Her mission is to change this through creating sustainable equity, education, opportunity, and personalizing the experience of coffee, as most consumers have no idea where their coffee comes from.  ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility.   ABOUT VAVA In 2009, Vava Angwenyi started VAVA COFFEE – a Benefit Corporation (B-corp) with a Social enterprise model that exports, roasts and consults on coffee value chains, the organization aims to contribute to better future prospects for coffee communities and the industry as a whole. The company ensures sustainable livelihoods for the people and communities in which it works. Vava Angwenyi is also the co-founder and director business development & fundraising at GENTE DEL FUTURO (People of the Future). Gente Del Futuro formed in 2017 is an organization born out of a partnership between African Plantations Kilimanjaro, Vava Coffee Kenya and Oro Molido three private sector players within the coffee sector to tackle two of the main problems we face as an industry - Producer profitability and Next generation involvement. Gente Del Futuro’s focus is to amplify the voices of youth by creating economic empowerment, choices and sustainability for the coffee industry. The organization offers young people a unique and one-of-a-kind learning opportunity by fusing coffee cultures and knowledge from three different growing origins : Tanzania, Kenya and Colombia. Ms. Angwenyi is also a founding member of Pamoja - Direct Trade Coffee Collective, this is a UK registered community interest company that has been established as the international marketing and distribution division for its members, coffee farmers. It is focused on building direct, cost-effective and fair relationships between its farmers and ethically aware international roasters. Vava holds a Masters degree-Msc in International Finance and Management from University of Groningen as well as Certificate in Global Asset Management from Warrington College of Business, University of Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics & Actuarial Science from University of Western Ontario- CANADA. Vava’s vision is to challenge the status quo and promote positive social disruption within the Coffee industry. This vision comes from an inborn Kenyan passion for coffee and a drive to promote the sustainable production of coffee within Kenya’s and the wider East African region by tracing the production of high quality coffee beans to the independent smallholder coffee farmer, who works day in and day out, against major obstacles and with meager resources to produce some of the world’s best tasting coffees, often without an understanding or appreciation of the final fruits of their labor. Vava is a CQI trained and certified Q grader ​Ms. Vava Angwenyi ​was part of the ​2015 International Visitors Leadership Program a prestigious State Department sponsored program coordinated in conjunction with ​African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA)​and African women enterprise program ​International Visitors Leadership Program​. Vava a Cordes fellow 2017 and Global Social Benefit Institute alumni 2016, also serves as an Advisory Committee member for the Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) sustainability council and is also part of the SCA’s Event’s site criteria Ad-hoc committee. ​In 2019 she was elected to serve on the SCA Board of Directors ​serving on the Finance and Sustainability Committees. In 2019 Vava Coffee was recognized as a ​Best for the world community Honoree ​- B Corp. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT While coffee is the second most traded commodity after oil, the industry was set up to keep the producers enslaved.  The Kenyan coffee trade still operates from the rules set in 1958 by colonial masters. The people that own the largest plantations where coffee is produced, are whyte companies. The problems Kenyan coffee producers face due to whytness running the markets, dictating the pricing, and dictating the terms and conditions. They purposely create barriers and make it hard for local entrepreneurs to get into the coffee business. Why Kenyans only consume 6% (used to be 3%) of coffee produced in Kenya and have to rely on the western world to drink the beans. How Vava got into the coffee industry after having been exposed to $20 bags of Kenyan coffee at places like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, while witnessing her grandma complain about how she's getting nothing for her coffee. How producer images are used purely for exploitation purposes. Consumers doing their due diligence in researching what really happens in producing countries in terms of labor, the processes, the farm inputs, that producers have to put, what picking season looks like.  How we can begin to be agents of change and pay more attention to what's happening in the world.  Connecting to our purpose and being willing to work and grow within it! CALL TO ACTION Be more attentive about what's happening in the world Purchase Vava’s book & coffee RESOURCES Coffee Milk Blood is a project and book inspired by Vava’s own experience as an African woman in the industry. The theme of the book touches on appropriate storytelling/depiction of producers - how they want to be seen beyond the coffee and as Women, the African woman, the culture of the place as well as underpinnings of Colonialism that are the structures we still operate within in our industry. The main and limited edition versions of the book will be a tool the industry needs, especially challenging the visual context often seen of coffee origins, producing countries, and the faces behind the coffee.  EPISODE TRANSCRIPT   FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED  Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze Podia: https://accordingtoweeze.podia.com/weeze   FOLLOW VAVA TO STAY ENGAGED Website: swww.vavacoffeeinc.com Website: www.coffeemilkblood.com Website: https://www.gente-delfuturo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vavacoffeekenya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentefuturo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeemilkblood

Speaking, Serial Entrepreneurship centered around Real Estate. That is what we are all about!

With the US election entering squeaky bum time Michael Avery unpacks the foreign policy stakes for South Africa and Africa. The African Growth and Opportunity Act is up for renegotiating in 2025 and one would want the winner to start new talks yesterday, especially considering the African continental free trade complicates things. To think we began 2020 supposing the US presidential election would be the foremost news event of year. How quickly Covid 19 changed all that. Despite some predicting a blue wave a month ago, the U.S. election has tightened further over the last week, making it harder to call. Opinion polls in the most competitive states that will decide the election have shown a closer race, still favouring Biden slightly though. Avery speaks to John Stremlau Honorary Professor International relations Wits; Brooks Spector retired US diplomat in Africa and East Asia; & Warwick Lucas, Chief Investment Officer at Galileo Capital. It’s worth recalling Hitchens here that “The only people truly bound by political promises are the voters who believe them.”

Mansa Musa is the founder and president of Ufumbuzi. Ufumbuzi is a for profit international Trade and Tour Company, specialized in the import & export of merchandise from around the world and dynamic tour and work abroad programs. In this interview, Mansa Musa talks about all the details related to import export trade from the United States to Africa, and from Africa to the United States. He talks about some of the documents one needs to start an international trade , the products that are in big demands both in Africa and north America. Mansa also mentioned some great tips in this interview such as the products that are qualified under the African Growth and opportunity act, and how best to deal with customs. Mansa Musa is a true force of nature and a brilliant human being.

IFPRI Special Event: Reflections with Ousmane Badiane - 02/24/2020 As Ousmane Badiane leaves IFPRI at the end of February, this special event reflects on his work for IFPRI and for Africa. Ousmane's contributions to transforming Africa’s agriculture sector are widely recognized throughout the development community. As IFPRI’s Director for Africa, Ousmane significantly expanded IFPRI’s engagement in Africa and played a key role in developing and guiding the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). His accomplishments include helping to establish the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support Systems (ReSAKSS), a major collaboration between CG centers and leading African organizations to support evidence-based policy efforts and launching and leading the African Growth and Development Policy Modeling Consortium (AGRODEP) with members from more than 30 countries. His latest initiative, the Malabo Montpellier Panel, encourages policy innovations for better development outcomes by bringing together leading global experts and decision makers. Ousmane has also initiated the Annual Trends and Outlook Report (ATOR) and the African Agriculture Trade Monitor (AATM), two of the most important annual publications on African agriculture. More on the seminar: https://www.ifpri.org/event/reflections-ousmane-badiane Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event annoucements at https://www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

The White House plans to end Cameroon's preferential trade status in 2020 because of alleged human rights violations, a charge the West African nation's government disputes. U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision in a written message to Congress on Thursday, saying Cameroon's government "engages in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights … [including] extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detention, and torture." As of Jan. 1, Cameroon would be removed from the list of countries benefiting from the African Growth and Opportunity Act. The 2000 law aims to stimulate U.S. trade and investment in sub-Saharan Africa and bolster economic growth in the region, primarily by enabling participating countries to market goods to the United States duty-free. Cameroon was among 39 countries participating as of last January. Participants must show evidence of working toward a market-based economy, upholding core labour standards, establishing the rule of law and respecting human rights. Trump blamed rights violations on the administration of Paul Biya, president since 1982. Cameroon's information minister, Rene Emmanuel, defended the government. "We think Cameroon is certainly one of the countries in Africa [that] has done a lot in terms of democracy, in terms of promoting liberties," But, he added, "Maybe there is a lot of injustice in our country where the respect of human rights is concerned. So I think we will have to look into this decision." --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/newscast-africa/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soundbyte-size business news >>TO GO — Karen Bosman: Wesgro; Mark Molenaar: Kantar; Bronwyn Williams, Flux Trends; Nico Olls, Mentospot on #AGOA, #CX, #UBI and #PAYE BizTakeout 1: What you must know about AGOA the African Growth & Opportunity Act Karen Bosman:Strategic Research and Public Affairs Officer, Wesgro In conversation with Rutendo Nyamuda, on the implications of the African Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA ) for South Africa and the African continent, opportunities opened up by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.( AfCFTA) and the role of the media…>> BizTakeout 2: What you must know about CX in the banking sector Mark Molenaar: Director Customer Experience, Kantar In conversation with Rutendo Nyamuda, customercentric insights to drive business growth, a must for decision makers in the banking sector…>> BizTakeout 3: What you must know about Universal Basic Income UBI Bronwyn Williams: Future Finance Specialist, Flux Trends The utopian dream of Universal Basic Income (UBI) and if it could indeed be a reality for South Africa in the future. It’s an alternative type of welfare where everyone in the country would get a living wage paid to them for merely being a citizen…>> BizTakeout 4: What you must know about employee tax rights in SA Nico Olls: Managing Director, Mentospot Speaking to Rutentdo Nyamuda about the must do’s and don’ts of company tax compliance and employee rights…>>

Karen Bosman: Strategic Research and Public Affairs Officer, Wesgro. In conversation with Rutendo Nyamuda, on the implications of the African Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA ) for South Africa and the African continent, opportunities opened up by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.( AfCFTA) and the role of the media…>> BizTakeouts: Soundbyte-size business news >>TO GO

Karen Bosman: Wesgro; Mark Molenaar: Kantar; Bronwyn Williams, Flux Trends; Nico Olls, Mentospot on #AGOA, #CX, #UBI and #PAYE BizTakeout 1: What you must know about AGOA the African Growth & Opportunity Act Karen Bosman:Strategic Research and Public Affairs Officer, Wesgro In conversation with Rutendo Nyamuda, on the implications of the African Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA ) for South Africa and the African continent, opportunities opened up by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.( AfCFTA) and the role of the media…>> BizTakeout 2: What you must know about CX in the banking sector Mark Molenaar: Director Customer Experience, Kantar In conversation with Rutendo Nyamuda, customercentric insights to drive business growth, a must for decision makers in the banking sector…>> BizTakeout 3: What you must know about Universal Basic Income UBI Bronwyn Williams: Future Finance Specialist, Flux Trends The utopian dream of Universal Basic Income (UBI) and if it could indeed be a reality for South Africa in the future. It's an alternative type of welfare where everyone in the country would get a living wage paid to them for merely being a citizen…>> BizTakeout 4: What you must know about employee tax rights in SA Nico Olls: Managing Director, Mentospot Speaking to Rutentdo Nyamuda about the must do's and don'ts of company tax compliance and employee rights…>> BizTakeouts: Soundbyte-size business news >>TO GO

Soundbyte-size business news >>TO GO — Karen Bosman: Strategic Research and Public Affairs Officer, Wesgro. In conversation with Rutendo Nyamuda, on the implications of the African Growth and Opportunity Act ( AGOA ) for South Africa and the African continent, opportunities opened up by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.( AfCFTA) and the role of the media…>>

Ensuring the full development and productive deployment of half the world’s population will radically transform African economies.

TOP STORIES ON AFRICA RISE AND SHINE THIS HOUR... *** No survivors on crashed Ethiopian airlines Boeing 737..... *** Election campaigning gains momentum in South Africa.... *** India prepares for April eleven elections....... *** In Economics: Malawi's contribution to the African Growth and Opportunity Act remains static... *** And in Sports: South Africa beat France to win the Canada Sevens rugby title.....

ZBTR Round Table takes a closer look at Chinese investment infiltration into Africa and its effects (if any) on the African Growth and Opportunity Act or AGOA which was approved by the US congress in 2000. What are the parallels visa vie similarities or there are non? Can the two initiatives co-exist? Join the ZBTR Team as we analyse the two "forces" intended to improve Africas economies. 

Lusaka-based gemstone company Jewel of Africa is taking aim at the Chinese market after establishing exports to the US, pushing their “home-grown” precious stones. The family-run business runs its own mines, cuts and polishes gems and runs retail outlets, employing around 100 locals. The Zambian jeweller is looking to further its expansion into the lucrative Chinese market. “People are getting to know more about gemstones and about the quality and value of Zambian gemstones,” Sandra Kasaby, Jewel of Africa’s marketing and operations manager told RFI at the recent World Export Development Forum. Jewel of Africa uses gemstones such as garnet and tourmaline. “We like to say that we have the best amethysts,” says Kasaby, pointing out that their emeralds are also very popular. The Zambian firm produces showcase jewellery worth over 100,000 US dollars in value and at the bottom of the range from 50 US dollars upwards. “We cater to all walks of life,” says Kasaby, describing clients including the Moroccan King, diplomats as well as young gentlemen looking to propose to their girlfriends. The jeweller prides itself on taking precious stones direct from the earth straight to their workshop. “Our slogan is ‘mine to you’, so we are at every step of the chain,” says Kasaby. “We mine, we cut, we polish, we jewellery manufacture, we retail and resize, repair and also certify jewellery and gems.” Export Jewel of Africa has already taken advantage of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) which enables countries in sub-Saharan Africa to access the US market tariff-free. “Thanks to that we are able to export to the US,” says Kasaby, outlining the trade shows they attend and the buyers they have in different US cities. The next step is to further their appeal in China. “We have a lot of Chinese coming to Jewel of Africa to buy our gemstones, especially emeralds,” says Kasaby. “We see that as an opportunity to market that,” she adds. Jewel of Africa has recently been chosen by the Chinese embassy in Zambia to represent the country at exhibitions in China. Consumers in China are becoming “more knowledgeable about gemstones and jewellery, and more astute in their purchases”, according to a report by the Gemological Institute of America. The report describes China as the second-largest jewellery consumer in the world. Constraints The business does, however, face some headwinds. Finance can be a problem and trade policy in Zambia also creates some obstacles. “Mining is very expensive and it’s difficult to get access to credit here in Zambia,” says Kasaby. The company sometimes teams up with foreign partners to try and access lower interest rates. The other issue relates to the ATA Carnet system which provides a framework for temporary import-export. Zambia is not a member of the system, impacting the ability of Jewel of Africa to bring jewellery for exhibitions duty-free and tax-free. To visit trade fairs with expensive jewellery this often means putting down a large deposit with customs, which can affect cash flow, according to Kasaby. The company is one of a kind in Zambia, says Kasaby - nobody both mines and produces jewellery. Their biggest competition on the African continent comes from South Africa, she says. Most of their competitors in South Africa are focused on diamonds, leaving Jewel of Africa to specialise in coloured gemstones. The company is proud to provide “opportunities for people to grow”, says Kasaby, outlining the training Jewel of Africa gives to new employees whether in sales or manufacture. “Coming from three to over 100 people in 25 years is a pretty good accomplishment,” she adds. Reporting assignment supported by the International Trade Centre

Episode 1 of the African Growth Opportunities Podcast How to cheaply manufacture your product idea by outsourcing production to factories in China Transcript can be found at https://nwudo.com/how-to-create-your-own-products-you-dont-need-to-build-a-factory/ Resources mentioned in the show: https://www.qualitydigest.com/inside/twitter-ed/performing-factory-audit-china.html Podcast also available on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nwudo/episode-1-how-to-manufacture-your-own-products-without-a-factory --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/nwudo/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/nwudo/support

Have you ever thought that you’re at a place in your life where it’s too late to start over? Sometimes I feel like we get to a certain age (an age that doesn’t actually really exist) and we think that we are stuck doing what we are doing forever. We think that if we aren’t successful doing something by age…. let’s day 28! Then we are STUCK. It’s never too late. I mean, Morgan Freeman was 52 when he got his first leading role in a movie… and now we see Morgan Freeman do everything! Vera Wang decided she wanted to be a designer… at age 40! Ray Kroc didn’t open his first McDonald’s until after he turned 50. This just goes to show it is NEVER too late to pursue something you believe in…  My guest this week is Steven Wallace, author of OBRONI AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY and founder of Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company, the first beyond fair trade, “single-origin” chocolate in Ghana. I LOVED chatting with Steven because, let’s be honest, I love chocolate, and also because this is an area that I honestly do not know a lot about and I was so eager and ready to learn from Steven’s experiences… You’re going to LOVE this one… About Steven: Steven Wallace, Founder/President of The Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company. Omanhene is the first company to sustain exports of premium chocolate manufactured entirely in Africa. Omanhene is credited with producing the world’s first single-origin chocolate bar in 1994 and with creating an entirely new chocolate category (dark milk chocolate). Omanhene’s entrepreneurial accomplishments and path-breaking business model have been recognized by President Jimmy Carter, former ambassador Shirley Temple Black and the United Nations Global Compact. He was selected as one of the inaugural TED Fellows in 2007. He is a featured subject in the book, “Food Heroes” by Georgia Pellegrini and features prominently in the book “Chocolate Nations” by Orla Ryan. He is the author of “Obroni and the Chocolate Factory: An Unlikely Story of Globalization and Ghana’s First Gourmet Chocolate Bar” (2017, Skyhorse Publishing). Wallace first came to the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana as a high school foreign exchange student during the summer of 1978. (He lived with a traditional Ghanaian family, which consisted of a host father and his three wives and 21 children.) He founded Omanhene at the age of 29. Wallace often speaks on economic development, cross-cultural issues and the challenges of starting a gourmet food business in Africa. He delivered a TEDx talk in Accra and has served as a guest panelist at the US State Department sponsored African Growth and Opportunity Act Forum in Accra, Ghana. Wallace frequently speaks at public events and universities including Brown, Princeton, The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, The University of Michigan Graduate School of Business and Northwestern University. Wallace is a founding partner in NuMedika, a patient-centric telemedicine platform specifically designed for the African continent. Previously, Wallace worked in broadcasting in the newsroom of WMAL-AM 63, a networkowned radio station in Washington, DC and then as an attorney with the boutique tax law firm of Silverstein & Mullens in Washington, DC. He later served as the vice-president of Midstates Sportswear. He served as vice-chair of the board of directors of AFS-USA, Inc. and on the board of trustees of AFS Intercultural Programs, Inc. the largest volunteer student exchange organization in the world. AFS has been instrumental in the US State Department’s YES program bringing young people from countries with Muslim populations to the US to spend a year with a US family and attend a US high school. Wallace holds a bachelor’s degree in History magna cum laude (Phi Beta Kappa) from Brown University and a juris doctor degree from the University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Wallace is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He lives in Whitefish Bay, WI. For more information, see www.omanhene.com. Connect with Steven: https://www.omanhene.com/ https://twitter.com/OmanheneChoc https://www.facebook.com/OmanheneIsMadeFromTheBestCocoaInTheWorldPeriod/ Buy Steven's Book Special thanks to CAUSEBOX for sponsoring this week's Business with Purpose podcast. Use coupon code MOLLY for $15 off! Join my Purchase with Purpose Facebook group and let's continue the conversation! https://www.facebook.com/groups/purchasewithpurpose/ Subscribe to the Business with Purpose podcast (and I'd love it if you left a review** on iTunes!) Subscribe on iTunes** Subscribe on Google Play Subscribe on Radio Public Subscribe via Podcast RSS Feed **Want to know how to leave a review of the Business with Purpose Podcast on iTunes from your iPhone or iPad? Launch Apple's Podcast app. Tap the Search tab. Enter "Business with Purpose" Tap the blue Search key at the bottom right. Tap the Blue album art for the podcast. Tap the Reviews tab. Tap Write a Review at the bottom. Enter your iTunes password to login. Tap the Stars to leave a rating. Enter title text and content to leave a review. Tap Send.  

Nerina Visser, Strategist and Advisor at ETF South Africa, looks at the impact of the African Growth and Opportunity Act on chicken farmers in SA, as imports from the US resumed last year and Apple iPhone is celebrating its 10th birthday this week.

South Africa's suspension from the African Growth and Opportunity Act is to be lifted. This after the arrival of the first US frozen chicken in South Africa last week. Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies says the US Trade Representative, Michael Froman, will recommend that President Barak Obama lifts the suspension. Sakina Kamwendo speaks to Trade and Industry Minister Davies

Several political parties in parliament say they are worried about the stalemate in the negotiations between South Africa and the US, over the African Growth and Opportunity Act, known as AGOA. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies says government has made some significant progress on the negotiations despite the failure to meet the deadlines. Some political parties are hopeful that a win-win solution will be achieved soon, while others are critical of what they see as South Africa's poor negotiating skills. Our Reporter in Parliament Abongwe Kobokana compiled this report.

1. Today is mini-budget day, and as we focus on parliament and Min. Nene this afternoon, the latest domestic economic indicators point to a possible technical recession. What is your view - are we in a recession? 2. A few months ago it was announced that agreement had been reached between South Africa and the US around the poultry market, and how it affects AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Yesterday this trade deal was back in the news. What is the latest? 3. As an alternative to a focus on trade and export in the economy, we can focus more attention on domestic capacity building. This is the primary aim of the Industrial Development Corporation, IDC, who celebrated its 75th anniversary with a conference yesterday. What were some of the key insights?

Devin Shutte of MyWealth Investments: ‘I think we will see some moderate strength come back to the rand as soon as this year.'

Moneyweb Radio — Devin Shutte of MyWealth Investments: ‘I think we will see some moderate strength come back to the rand as soon as this year.’

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called the African Growth and Opportunity Act the corner-stone of the trade relationship between his country and South Africa. He was speaking at the conclusion of the biennial strategic dialogue with International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane where issues of regional security, trade and development and public health were discussed. Sherwin Bryce-Pease reports.

Lots of new laws! Hear all about the final version of fast track and other trade related dingleberries, new measures to combat human trafficking, and new benefits for veterans. In this episode, you'll also learn about the bills that passed at least one branch of Congress in May, which include a poisonous scientific research funding bill, an anti-abortion bill, lots of bills to funnel taxpayer money into private pockets, bills that benefit veterans' families, and more. After the break, get the details for the Chicago and Miami meet-ups, an update on the Congressional Dish Arms Race, and hear a indisputable argument for why train travel is superior to plane travel. Please support Congressional Dish: Click here to contribute with PayPal or Bitcoin; click the PayPal "Make it Monthly" checkbox to create a monthly subscription Click here to support Congressional Dish for each episode via Patreon Mail Contributions to: 5753 Hwy 85 North #4576 Crestview, FL 32536 Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Meet Up Times & Locations Chicago: Wednesday, August 5th 6:30pm: Sweetwater Tavern & Grille 225 Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 698-7111 Co-Hosted by Kevin and Loren, hosts of Political Discontent Radio Miami: Tuesday, August 18th 7pm: Emerge Miami Meeting 6pm: Meet and Greet 7pm: Meeting begins Sweat Records 5505 NE 2nd Ave. Miami, FL 33137 (786) 693-9309 8:30pm: Elwoods Gastro Pub 188 NE 3rd Avenue Miami, FL 33132 (305) 358-5222 Laws H.R. 2146: Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act Became the vehicle for Trade Promotion Authority to become law Allows Federal law enforcement officers, firefighters, and air traffic controllers with 20 years experience to avoid a 10% tax penalty if they withdraw from their retirement plans after age 50, instead of 59.5 years old. The effects of this on the budget will not be counted. Passed 407-5 Sponsored by Rep. David Reichert of Washington 43 pages Did Your Rep & Senators Vote for Fast Track? Check your Senators' Votes on H.R. 1314 Check your Representative's Vote on H.R. 2146 H.R. 1295: Trade Preferences Extension Act Title I: Extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Background Original African Growth and Opportunity Act was signed into law by President Clinton in 2000. Allows certain products from some African countries to be imported tax-free. Oil accounted for 68% of these imports in 2014; "despite remaining the top U.S. import under AGOA, U.S. oil imports from the region have fallen by 80% or nearly $40 billion since 2011." Clothes and vehicles from South Africa are the other main products imported tax-free under this law The law was going to expire on September 30, 2015. The assistance is intended to "encourage governments to Liberalize trade policy Harmonize laws and regulations with WTO membership commitments Engage in financial and fiscal restructuring Promote greater agribusiness linkages. Reauthorization Highlights Extends the AGOA until September 30, 2025 Eliminates the President's ability to terminate an African country's eligibility for the program without notifying Congress and the country 60 days before. Creates an annual public comment period regarding whether the African countries are meeting their eligibility requirements. Increases the number of people employed full time to make sure African food exports meet U.S. food safety standards from 20 to 30. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that extending this program will cost us $2.8 billion in lost tax revenue by 2025 Title II: Extension of Generalized System of Preferences Background A bigger program for allowing products to be imported tax-free into the United States, which was first created in 1974. President Obama terminated Russia's status as a Generalized System of Preferences country in October 2014, after the invasion of Crimea. Extension Highlights Extends the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program until December, 2017. Backdates the effective date to July 31, 2013, when the program expired. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this extension will cost us over $2.5 billion in lost tax revenue. Limits the types of cotton that are eligible for tax-free import Makes some luggage and travel products eligible for tax-free import Title III: Extension of preferential duty treatment program for Haiti Extends tax-free import status for products from Haiti until December 19, 2025. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this will cost us $520 million in lost tax revenue Title IV: Extension of trade adjustment assistance Extends trade adjustment assistance until June 30, 2021 Specifically mentions farmers. Brings back a tax credit for health insurance for workers who lose their jobs due to trade agreements or due to failed pension plans until the end of 2019, which are higher than the subsidies we get for health insurance on the ObamaCare exchange websites. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that this will cost us $2.8 billion, with the most money needed from 2017 to 2021. Title VI: Tariff classification of recreational performance outerwear Contains a modified version of the Affordable Footwear Act, which reduces tariffs on some athletic footwear. Contains part of the OUTDOORS Act, which was introduced by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and Senator Kelly Ayote of New Hampshire, which lowers or eliminates tariffs that average 14% for "recreational performance outerwear" Washington is home to headquarters of REI, Amazon, Nordstrom, Brooks Sports, and Eddie Bauer. New Hampshire is home to the headquarters of Timberland The American Apparel and Footwear Association, the Outdoor Industry Association, Eastern Mountain Sports, Kamik Boots, NEMO Equipment, and New Balance, and the Washington Council on International Trade have all voiced support for this language, with the Washington Council on International Trade saying it's because it "would save consumers money while improving profits for our retailers and apparel companies that do their manufacturing overseas". The Outdoor Industry Association spent a record $360,000 lobbying Congress on the US OUTDOOR ACT and the Affordable Footwear Act in 2014. Title VI: Offsets Extends customs charges for some imports from September 30, 2024 to July 7, 2025 and then increases the fees for two and a half months in the Summer 2025, after the expiration. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this will cause the revenue from those fees to spike from a little under a billion in 2024, to $4.6 billion in 2025. This is the biggest single source of money that will pay for this law. Increases taxes on corporations that make more than $1 billion in 2019 by 8% for the months of July, August, or September of 2020. The corporation's next payment will then be reduced by the same amount. On the Congressional Budget Office estimate, this makes it seem as though there is much more revenue for the 2015-2020 period than there actually is. If the numbers weren't cooked like this, the report would show an additional $5.7 billion budget deficit from 2015-2020. Beginning in 2016, the law forbids college education tax credits from students who don't receive an accounting "statement" from their school. CBO estimates this will save almost half a billion dollars. Increases the fines for failing to file tax returns on time or including incorrect information on a return, for example from $100 to $250 and raises the caps on these kinds of fees, effective in fiscal year 2016. CBO estimates this will bring in an additional $136 million by 2025. Disqualifies people who choose to exclude foreign earned income from their tax returns from claiming the child tax credit, effective this year. CBO estimates this will save $293 million by 2025. Somehow changes the way Medicare pays for dialysis services in a way that will cut direct spending by $250 million. Passed the Senate 97-1 and the House of Representatives 286-138 Sponsored by Rep. George Holding of North Carolina 58 pages S. 178: Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act Through September 30, 2019, a person convicted of a human trafficking related offense will have to pay an extra $5,000 fine. The money will go to a "Domestic Trafficking Victims' Fund, controlled by the Attorney General. The money will be used for law enforcement, grants to States, tribes, local government and non-profit NGO's, and local children's advocacy centers. Authorizes grant money specifically for victims of child pornography. Expands the property that can been seized by the government from people convicted of human trafficking crimes. Expands the "range of conduct punished as sex trafficking." "Section 108: Reducing demand for sex trafficking" adds "patronized, or solicited" to the list of of things punishable by a fine and at least 10 years in prison. The crime: "Whoever knowingly" in the United States "recruits, entices, harbors, transports, provides, obtains, patronizes, or solicits" anything of value that arises out of forcing someone under 18 to "engage in a commercial sex act", which means "any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person." Gives crime victims the right to be informed of any plea bargains or deferred prosecution agreements. Mandates that officers in anti-human trafficking programs operated by the Justice Department will have training on methods for investigating and prosecuting human traffickers and for getting proper physical and mental health care for the victims. Mandates that Federal prosecutors request restitution for the victims whether or not the victims request it. Creates an advisory council made up of human trafficking victims to analyze human trafficking laws every year until September 30, 2020. The members will not be paid except for travel reimbursement and per diem allowances. Requires missing children reports to include a recent photo Requires audits of human trafficking grants Prohibits the Attorney General from giving a grant to a nonprofit that has offshore tax havens. Includes the SAVE Act which makes advertising the services of prostitutes who are under 18 or are forced into prostitution punishable by ten years in prison. Creates a website for accessing victims' services Expands the statute of limitations on civil actions by child trafficking survivors to 10 years after they turn 18. Creates a "cyber crimes center" within the Customs and Immigration section of the Department of Homeland Security to "provide investigative assistance, training, and equipment to support United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's domestic and international investigations of cyber-related crimes." The cyber crimes center will have a "Child Exploitation Investigations Unit" in it. The cyber crimes center will have a "Computer Forensics Unit" which will train and support Immigration and Customs Enforcement employees and help "Federal, State, local, tribal, military, and foreign law enforcement agency personnel engaged in the investigation of crimes" The cyber crimes center will have a "Cyber Crimes Unit" , which will "enhance" Immigration and Customs ability to "combat criminal enterprises operating on or through the Internet, with specific focus in the areas of cyber economic crime, digital theft of intellectual property, illicit e-e-commerce (including hidden marketplaces), Internet- facilitated proliferation of arms and strategic technology, and cyber enable smuggling and money laundering" and will also help "Federal, State, local, tribal, military, and foreign law enforcement agency personnel engaged in the investigation of crimes" The cyber crimes center will be allowed to coordinate with the Defense Department to hire war veterans. Temporarily increases by 10% the amount of money a State can get from Federal grants if the State has a law that allows the mother of a child to eliminate the parental rights of her rapist and authorizes $5 million for the increases (only 10 states currently have such laws). Adds people convicted in the military justice system to the National Sex Offender Registry. Creates a hotline for sex trafficking victims to speak with service providers starting in 2017. Makes sex trafficking victims automatically eligible for the jobs corps. Allows human trafficking survivors to move to vacate any arrest or conviction records for crimes that they committed as a direct result of human trafficking. Passed the Senate 99-0 and the House 420-3 Sponsored by Senator John Cornyn of Texas 41 pages S. 802: Girls Count Act Authorizes the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID to coordinate with the World Bank, UN nations agencies and "relevant organizations" to "enact, implement, and enforce laws" in other countries to register births of baby girls. Sunsets in June 2020. Passed the House and the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida 3 pages H.R. 2252: Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act Clarifies the effective date of a new overtime system for border patrol agents, which will effectively pay them less, as January 1, 2016. Passed the House of Representatives and the Senate by voice votes Sponsored by Rep Will Hurd of Texas 1 page H.R. 2496: Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act Authorizes and additional $900 million for a Department of Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Denver, CO. Passed the House and the Senate by voice votes Sponsored by Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado 2 pages H.R. 606: Don't Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act Excludes money paid to the families of law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty from counting as taxable income. Passed the House of Representatives 413-0 and the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen of Minnesota 1 page H.R. 1191: Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act Requires the President to give Congress any agreements with Iran within 5 days of reaching the agreement, along with a report by the Secretary of State on the effectiveness of the agreement. Requires the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to hold hearings on the agreement within 30 days - 60 days if it would interfere with their August vacation. Prohibits the President from altering sanctions on Iran during the Congressional review period. Prohibits the President from altering sanctions on Iran if a joint resolution of disapproval passes both the House and the Senate for 12 days after passage. If the President vetoes the joint resolution of disapproval, the law prohibits him from altering Iran's sanctions within 10 days of the veto. Allows the agreement to go into effect if Congress does nothing Creates an expedited process for Congress to bring back the sanctions if Iran violates the agreement. Passed the Senate 98-1 and the House of Representatives 400-25. Sponsored by Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania 12 pages H.R. 2353: Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2015 Clean extension of Federal transportation programs until July 31, 2015. Passed the House of Representatives 387-35 and the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Bill Schuster of Pennsylvania 9 pages H.R. 91: Veteran's I.D. Card Act Allows veterans who have honorably completed their service but who didn't "retire" or receive a medically-related discharge to request and pay for an ID card proving their veteran status. The fee for the card will be reassessed every five years. The cards would be available 60 days after the bill would be signed into law. Final version passed the Senate by a voice vote and the House of Representatives 411-0 Sponsored by Rep. Vern Buchanan 3 pages Bills H.R. 1806: America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015 Funds the National Science Foundation, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the National Institute f Standards and Technology, the Department of Energy - Science, the Department of Energy - Applied Research and Development, and the Department of Energy - Technology Transfer. Contains a program that transfers taxpayer funded research to manufacturers in the U.S. - including the legal rights to the new inventions - as long as the company pays for 50%+ of the upgrades to their systems. Continues to invest tax money in research for coal, oil, and natural gas It would extend the life of current nuclear power plants instead of design new ones Creates a "nuclear energy enabling technologies program" which, in part, develops "small modular reactors". According to the Department of Energy, small modular reactors are factory-made mini-nuclear power plants that can be shipped to places that don't have the infrastructure or money for large nuclear power plants. The idea is to create these for "U.S. companies" to sell around the world. So far, none of these have been designed, licensed, or constructed and DOE wants them deployed within the next decade. Eliminates research into hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle technology and on-site renewable energy generation for buildings. Eliminates research into fish friendly turbines for hydropower Allows "energy efficiency" money to be used for research into renewable power combined with any fossil fuel (currently only wind-coal combo allowed). Makes the Secretary perform extra market analysis for renewable energy projects. Eliminates a program for taxpayer funded installation of solar and other renewable power on State or local government buildings. Eliminates the objective of "Improving United States energy security" from energy research, prohibits research money from being used for Fossil Energy Environmental Restoration, limits the amount of fossil fuel research money that can be used in universities, and prohibits government research into fossil fuels from being used for regulatory assessments by the government. Invests more taxpayer money in coal energy research. Passed the House of Representatives 217-205 President Obama would veto the bill. The veto threat is because the bill funds much less than requested for many areas of research; for example, it provides less than half of what was requested for clean energy research and grid modernizations. Sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas 203 pages H.R. 1735: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 Passed the House 269-151 and the Senate (with changes) 71-25 Sponsored by Rep. Mac Thorneberry of Texas 994 pages S. 136: Gold Star Fathers Act Extends hiring advantages for Federal jobs to fathers of people killed in military service (currently, it's only available to mothers). Passed the Senate by voice vote Sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon 3 pages H.R. 1732: Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 Forces the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA to withdraw a proposed rule that would expand protection of waterways in the United States. Orders a new proposed rule to be crafted using studies - including an economic impact study - hand picked by the bill authors. Forces the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA to consult with "public and private stakeholders" that would be effected by the rule Prohibits any additional money for the extra work. Prohibits the Federal government's classification of waterways from voiding State permits for two years. Passed the House of Representatives 261-155 President Obama would veto the bill. Sponsored by Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, who has taken almost $400,000 from the Oil and Gas industry, with over half of that for the most recent election. 13 pages H.R. 723: Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015 An immediate family member of a deceased fire fighter, law enforcement officer, member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew who died in the line of duty can request and be sent a Capitol-flown flag free of charge by their Congressional Representative. Caps the amount to be spent on this at $30,000 per year. Passed the House of Representatives by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Peter King of New York 4 pages H.R. 36: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Makes it illegal for someone to perform an abortion unless: The fetus is 19 weeks or younger The abortion is performed in a way that gives the fetus the best opportunity to survive Exceptions: If the mother's life is in danger due to a physical illness or injury Incest that has been reported to the government The pregnancy is the result of a rape The mother must have gotten rape counseling or medical treatment for the rape, which must be documented in the mother's medical file The rape counseling or report can not be provided by a non-hospital facility that performs abortions. The penalty for performing an abortion illegally can be a fine and 5 years in prison The mother or parents of the mother (if she is a minor) can seek civil damages from the doctor who performed her abortion illegally The mother can not be prosecuted Passed the House of Representatives 242-184 President Obama would veto the bill Sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona 24 pages H.R. 2297: Hezbollah International Financing Prevention Act of 2015 Orders the Secretary of State to report to Congress "the activities of all satellite, broadcast, Internet, or other providers that knowingly provide material support to al-Manar TV and any affiliates" and the status of sanctions against them as ordered by President W. Bush on September 23, 2001. Prohibits financial institutions that process transactions for Hezbollah from opening or maintaining accounts in the United States. Penalties for facilitating Hezbollah transactions will be the greater of $250,000 or twice the transaction amount in addition to a criminal penalty of up to $1 million and up to 20 years in prison. This can be waived in 180 day intervals if the Treasury Secretary says it's in the "national security interests of the United States" These rules will not apply to intelligence activities Passed by 423-0 Sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce of California 20 pages H.R. 474: Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Programs Reauthorization Act of 2015 Reauthorized a program for homeless veterans for five years. Clarifies that veterans being released from prison are eligible for benefits. Passed the House by a voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Brad Wenstrup of Ohio 3 pages H.R. 1038: Ensuring VA Employee Accountability Act Forces the Department of Veterans Affairs to keep a copy of all official reprimands or admonishments in the employee's permanent record as long as they work at the Department of Veteran's Affairs. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Costello 3 pages H.R. 1313: Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Relief Act Allows the business that was owned by a disabled veteran to keep it's veteran perks if the spouse takes over the business for three years, if the veterans did not die as a result of a service related disability (if the veteran did die of service related injuries, the spouse can keep the benefits for 10 years or until she remarries). Passed the House of Representatives 403-0 Sponsored by Rep. Jerry McNerney 3 pages H.R. 1382: BRAVE Act Authorizes the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs to give preferential treatment to companies that hire veterans in their choice in awarding procurement contracts. A company that lies about the veteran status of its employees will be prohibited from contracting with the Department of Veteran's Affairs for five years. Passed the House of Representatives 404-0 Sponsored by Rep. Kathleen Rice 3 pages H.R. 1816: Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2015 Excludes monthly pension payments from counting as income for veterans who become permanently or totally disabled from non-service related injuries. Limits the total amount of bonus money allowed to be issued to employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Joe Heck of Nevada 3 pages H.R. 874: American Super Computing Leadership Act Broadens the definition of "institution of higher learning" to include organizations that exist to benefit institutions of higher education Orders the Department of Energy to partner with universities, National Laboratories, and industry. Eliminates the Department of Energy's High End Software Development Center and replaces it with a partnerships with universities, National Laboratories, and industry to do research. Part of this program will include outreach to domestic industries, including manufacturing so they can use the technology developed. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Randy Hultgren of Illinois 8 pages H.R. 1162: Science Prize Competitions Act Allows private for-profit entities to be given grants and contract so administer government prize competitions. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Donald Beyer of Virginia 6 pages H.R. 1119: Research and Development Efficiency Act Creates a working group to make recommendations on how to streamline Federal regulations and to "minimize the regulatory burden" on universities performing federally funded research. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Barbara Comstock of Virginia 4 pages H.R. 1156: International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2015 Creates a working group to coordinate international science and technology cooperation, designed in part to "support United States foreign policy goals". Will be co-chaired by officials from the Office of Science and Technology and the Department of State. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Lipinski of Illinois 4 pages H.R. 1561: Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2015 Creates a program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association to improving weather knowledge, understand how the public reacts to warnings, and develop radar and other weather forecasting technologies. At least 30%) of the money for the program will go to universities, private entities, and NGO's to further their research. Creates a tornado warning improvement program with the goal of predicting tornadoes more than an hour in advance. No budget listed. Creates a Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program with the goal of extending hurricane forecasts. No budget listed. Allows the government to pay commercial providers up to $9 million for weather data Creates a pilot contract which makes NOAA contract with a private sector entity for weather data by October 1, 2016. Authorizes (but doesn't appropriate) about $100 million per year through 2017. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Frank Lucas of Oklahoma 25 pages H.R. 1158: Department of Energy Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act of 2015 Orders an assessment and report on the Department of Energy's ability to host and oversee "privately funded fusion and non-light water reactor prototypes and related demonstration facilities at Department-owned sites" Orders the Energy Department to carry out a pilot program designed to "commercialize" research at National Laboratories. Projects can not directly compete with the private sector. Extends the pilot program until October 31, 2017. Passed the House by voice vote Sponsored by Rep. Randy Hultgren of Illinois 16 pages H.R. 880: American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015 Makes permanent a corporate tax credit for research and development the expired at the end of 2014 The effects of this on the budget will not be counted The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates this would increase the Federal deficits by $182 billion in the next ten years. President Obama would veto the bill. Passed the House of Representatives 274-145 President Obama would veto the bill. Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas 9 pages Hearings Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Hearing: "Border Security: Examining the Implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2013", June 9, 2014. House Committee on Science, Space and Techonology Markup Hearing: "H.R. 1806, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2015", April 22, 2015 Additional Information Federation of American Scientists: Status of World Nuclear Forces Federaation of American Scientists/Washington and Lee University Study: The Future of Nuclear Power in the United States U.S. Department of Transportation Factsheet: Deficient Bridges by States and Highway System: Current Data Associated Press Article: House votes to provide for highway aid, plug hole in veterans' health care budget by Joan Lowy, July 29, 2015 Music Presented in This Episode Intro & Exit: Tired of Being Lied To by David Ippolito (found on Music Alley by mevio) Fast Track by Terry Quiett Band On the Road Again by Willie Nelson

TOP STORIES ON AFRICA RISE AND SHINE THIS HOUR: * UN Security Council meets to discuss Burundi crisis..... * Concerns over worsening security situation in South Sudan... * In Economics: US to renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act.. * And In Sports: Nigeria Football Federation promises huge incentives for the Super Falcons...

Most African countries are expected to continue growing in 2012. But grim economic prospects in many parts of the world threaten this positive outlook. Roger Nord of the IMF's African Department identifies the challenges facing Africa this year.

Nigeria's charismatic finance minister talks about Nigeria's vigorous growth, the reforms Africa needs to continue powering ahead, and that failed bid for the World Bank presidency.