Podcasts about opportunity act agoa

During the first 100 days of his second term in office, US President Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders that have unsettled the commodities market and prompted investors to hold off from making new investments in African economies. In the last three months, Trump has presented the world with “a ding-dong of measures and counter-measures," as Nigerian finance analyst Gbolahan Olojede put it.With such measures including increased tariffs on US imports from African nations (as elsewhere), this new regime has effectively called into question the future validity of preferential trade agreements with African states – such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows duty-free access, under strict conditions, to the US market for African goods."The reciprocal tariffs effectively nullify the preferences that sub-Saharan Africa countries enjoy under AGOA," South Africa's foreign and trade ministers said in a joint statement on 4 April.Jon Marks, editorial director of energy consultancy and news service African Energy, echoed this climate of uncertainty: “With the Trump presidency lurching from policy to policy, no one knows where they are. And it's very difficult to actually see order within this chaos."Africa braces for economic hit as Trump's tariffs end US trade perksHe told RFI he expects long periods of stasis, in which nothing actually happens, when people have been expecting immediate action.“That's going to be, I think, devastating for markets, devastating for investment. The outlook really is grim," he added.CommoditiesIn 2024, US exports to Africa were worth $32.1 billion. The US imported $39.5 billion worth of goods from Africa, the bulk of these being commodities such as oil and gas, as well as rare minerals including lithium, copper and cobalt.“The focus of the Trump administration is on critical minerals now, particularly in the [Democratic Republic of Congo], which is the Saudi Arabia of cobalt,” said Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of the China Global South Project news site.The US is aiming to build non-Chinese supply chains for its military technology.“The F-35s, supersonic fighter jets, need cobalt. When they look at critical minerals, they're not looking at that for renewable energy. They're looking at it specifically for weapons and for their defence infrastructure,” Olander explained.Collateral damageOn 2 April, President Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on US imports worldwide, declaring that the US “has been looted, pillaged, raped and plundered by nations near and far” and calling this date a “Liberation Day” which will make “America wealthy again”.Stock markets immediately plummeted as a result of his announcement.On 9 April, Trump announced a 90-day pause – until mid-July – on these tariffs. Instead, a flat 10 percent rate will be applied on exports to the US.The exception was China, whose goods face even higher tariffs – 145 percent on most Chinese goods. Beijing retaliated with 125 percent levies on US imports.According to Olander, most African nations have so far been “insulated from the harsh impact of these tariffs” and from the consequences of what is, in effect, a trade war between two economic giants – China and the US.“South Africa, which accounts for a considerable amount of Africa's trade with the United States, is much more exposed to the effects of these tariffs than the rest of the continent,” he said.Africa FirstBut what if Trump's "America First" agenda was to be copied, asks Kelvin Lewis, editor of the Awoko newspaper in Sierra Leone.“Just like Trump is saying America First, we should think Sierra Leone First,” he told RFI. “He is teaching everyone how to be patriotic. We have no reason to depend on other people, to go cap in hand begging, because we have enough natural resources to feed and house all 9 million of us Sierra Leoneans.”He added: “If Africa says we close shop and we use our own resources for our benefit like Trump is telling Americans, I think the rest of the world would stand up and take notice.”Meanwhile, Trump believes his imposition of these increased tariffs has succeeded in bringing countries to the negotiating table.“I'm telling you, these countries are calling us up, kissing my ass. They are dying to make a deal. Please, please sir, make a deal. I'll do anything. I'll do anything, sir,” Trump said on 8 April at a Republican Congress committee dinner in Washington.New marketsOlander believes that the trade war instigated by Trump has resulted in more risks than opportunities for Africa's vulnerable countries.“But, there is a lot more activity now diplomatically between African countries and other non-US countries,” he added.“Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed from Ethiopia was in Vietnam, as was Burundi's president. There's more engagement between Uganda and Indonesia, more trade activity and discussions between Brazil and Africa.”Foreign ministers from the BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) met in Rio de Janeiro on 28 April to coordinate their response to Trump's trade policy.However, securing markets for non-US exports is a challenging task. It took Kenya 10 years “of steady diplomacy” to get China to fund the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to the Ugandan border, according to Olander.Kenyan president visits China as country pivots away from the US“Whether it's in China, Indonesia, Brazil or elsewhere, it takes time. Exporting into developed G7 markets means facing an enormous number of hurdles, like agricultural restrictions,” he continued. “Then, in the global south, Angola is not going to sell bananas to Brazil, right?”“Trump's trade policies have actually been to depress the oil price,” said Marks. “The price has been under the psychologically low threshold of $70 a barrel.He explains it is because of the demand destruction Trump's policies have placed on global trading.Demand destruction means that people are not investing, “ Marks said. “It's really a period of wait-and-see.”“This will affect prices very profoundly. One of the ironies is that although a lower dollar means that African economies should be able to export their goods for more money, a declining dollar amidst market uncertainties means that investors are not going to be rushing to come into Africa.”

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.

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.

Lundi 27 février, la Maison Blanche a annoncé le gel de son aide publique américaine. Les Américains sont les plus gros contributeurs avec 40 milliards de dollars gérés par l'Agence américaine pour le développement (USAID), près de 70 milliards de dollars d'aide extérieure. Après l'Ukraine, le continent africain est le premier bénéficiaire de ces aides. Les pays anglophones sont les premiers récipiendaires (Éthiopie, Somalie, Nigeria…) mais les pays francophones pâtissent également de ce gel. La République démocratique du Congo est le premier pays francophone bénéficiaire de l'aide extérieur américaine. Ceci avec une aide avoisinant le milliard de dollars dont plus de la moitié est consacrée à l'aide humanitaire. Un soutien essentiel dans le contexte actuel, « surtout dans l'est du pays, avec cette catastrophe humanitaire que le pays traverse dans l'est du pays avec les réfugiés, ce sera très important. Le pays en aura absolument besoin », estime Jacques Mukena, spécialiste gouvernance et économie à l'Institut congolais Ebuteli.Si l'incertitude règne, pour le chercheur, les États-Unis pourraient négocier le maintien de ces aides. « Il y aura peut-être une obligation pour le pays de s'aligner un peu sur les intérêts stratégiques des États-Unis, projette-t-il. Ils pourraient exiger une réduction de l'influence chinoise, notamment sur le contrôle des minerais stratégiques comme le cobalt et le coltan. Les États-Unis pourraient demander à la RDC de tenter de réduire cette influence chinoise. »Sur le continent, les États de l'Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) – à savoir le Mali, le Niger et le Burkina Faso – profitent également de l'aide américaine. 720 millions de dollars répartis entre les pays de l'alliance. Une somme moindre que d'autres États, mais stratégique. « C'est un gros coup dur, mais aussi un gros manque à gagner », analyse Ibrahim Adamou Louché, économiste indépendant nigérien. Ces pays rencontrent actuellement des difficultés à mobiliser des financements. Les financements internationaux se sont taris en raison des sanctions économiques et financières qui leur ont été infligées quelques mois auparavant. À cela s'ajoute des difficultés aussi à mobiliser des ressources internes, particulièrement les impôts en raison du contexte économique local qui est exsangue. Le fait qu'ils se voient priver de ces financements risque de compromettre de nombreux projets de développement. »Dans des États qui priorisent particulièrement les budgets de défense, l'aide américaine se tourne vers des secteurs moins dotés comme la santé ou l'agriculture. Ibrahim Adamou Louché prend l'exemple du Millennium challenge au Niger qui met l'accent sur le domaine agricole et qui accompagne le pays « pour exploiter son potentiel agricole grâce à la construction d'infrastructures d'adduction d'eau et pour favoriser par ricochet l'agriculture de contre saison ». C'est donc la pérennité des réalisations qui risquent d'être impactées et à la clé « des impacts sur la population qui sont censés sortir d'une certaine manière de la pauvreté ».En plus de ce gel, se pose la question du futur de l'African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Cet accord commercial qui permet à certains produits africains de rentrer sur le marché américain sans frais de douane, expire en septembre 2025.À lire aussiGel de l'aide internationale américaine: «les conséquences sont dramatiques, l'Afrique est en première ligne»

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.

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

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.

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.

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... 

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the US Congress to approve an early and "sufficiently lengthy" extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) to provide investors looking to take advantage of the scheme's trade benefits with the certainty they need to "build new factories on the African continent". Opening the Agoa Forum in Johannesburg on Friday, Ramaphosa also underlined the "great value" of retaining all beneficiary countries to support the development of regional value chains and help industrialisation on the continent. His address followed confirmation that US President Joe Biden "strongly" supported a reauthorisation of the trade arrangement by Congress beyond its current 2025 expiry, as well as an announcement that Agoa benefits would be terminated on January 1, 2024, for Gabon, Niger, the Central African Republic, and Uganda. Gabon and Niger's eligibility had been terminated because of "unconstitutional changes of government", while benefits were withdrawn from the Central African Republic and Uganda because of "gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by those governments". Ahead of the announcement, which included confirmation that Mauritania's eligibility would be reinstated, there were 35 Agoa-eligible countries, against the 49 countries that are potentially eligible for inclusion under the unilateral scheme, which has been in place since 2000. South Africa's own eligibility was thrown into doubt earlier this year when Ambassador Reuben Brigety alleged in May that South Africa had loaded arms and ammunition on to the sanctioned Russian vessel, the Lady R, in December. President Cyril Ramaphosa commissioned a panel, led by retired Judge Phineas Mojapelo, to investigate the matter. While only an executive summary of the report was released, indicating the allegations to be incorrect, relations improved to the point where it was confirmed on September 20 that the forum would proceed in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa said an early reauthorisation and renewal would help to ensure that the legislation achieved its objectives and reached its full potential. "An early renewal can help to strengthen trade and investment. "At the same time, we see potential to enhance Agoa with reforms that will add more products and will make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to use it," Ramaphosa said. Total goods imports into the US under Agoa recovered to $10-billion in 2022 from $6.8-billion in 2021, and South Africa emerged as the top exporter, with $3.6-billion in exports to the US last year. In his video address to the forum, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Biden administration did not only want to extend Agoa but work with Congress "to make it even better", without elaborating on any possible improvements. In her address, US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai argued that "many things have changed" since the establishment of the scheme 23 years ago and suggested that the partnership should be modernised and transformed. She indicated that discussions should also focus on improving utilisation rates, exploring additional trade tools to complement the Agoa relationship, collaborating on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and using the multilateral trading system for the benefit of underserved groups.

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

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the US Congress to approve an early and "sufficiently lengthy" extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) to provide investors looking to take advantage of the scheme's trade benefits with the certainty they need to "build new factories on the African continent". Opening the Agoa Forum in Johannesburg on Friday, Ramaphosa also underlined the "great value" of retaining all beneficiary countries to support the development of regional value chains and help industrialisation on the continent. His address followed confirmation that US President Joe Biden "strongly" supported a reauthorisation of the trade arrangement by Congress beyond its current 2025 expiry, as well as an announcement that Agoa benefits would be terminated on January 1, 2024, for Gabon, Niger, the Central African Republic, and Uganda. Gabon and Niger's eligibility had been terminated because of "unconstitutional changes of government", while benefits were withdrawn from the Central African Republic and Uganda because of "gross violations of internationally recognised human rights being perpetrated by those governments". Ahead of the announcement, which included confirmation that Mauritania's eligibility would be reinstated, there were 35 Agoa-eligible countries, against the 49 countries that are potentially eligible for inclusion under the unilateral scheme, which has been in place since 2000. South Africa's own eligibility was thrown into doubt earlier this year when Ambassador Reuben Brigety alleged in May that South Africa had loaded arms and ammunition on to the sanctioned Russian vessel, the Lady R, in December. President Cyril Ramaphosa commissioned a panel, led by retired Judge Phineas Mojapelo, to investigate the matter. While only an executive summary of the report was released, indicating the allegations to be incorrect, relations improved to the point where it was confirmed on September 20 that the forum would proceed in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa said an early reauthorisation and renewal would help to ensure that the legislation achieved its objectives and reached its full potential. "An early renewal can help to strengthen trade and investment. "At the same time, we see potential to enhance Agoa with reforms that will add more products and will make it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to use it," Ramaphosa said. Total goods imports into the US under Agoa recovered to $10-billion in 2022 from $6.8-billion in 2021, and South Africa emerged as the top exporter, with $3.6-billion in exports to the US last year. In his video address to the forum, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Biden administration did not only want to extend Agoa but work with Congress "to make it even better", without elaborating on any possible improvements. In her address, US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai argued that "many things have changed" since the establishment of the scheme 23 years ago and suggested that the partnership should be modernised and transformed. She indicated that discussions should also focus on improving utilisation rates, exploring additional trade tools to complement the Agoa relationship, collaborating on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, and using the multilateral trading system for the benefit of underserved groups.

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.

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.

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.

Guest: Peter Fabricius joins John to explain that one of the key issues under discussion at the annual forum of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) that is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from 2 to 4 November will be to make Agoa work better for the African continent as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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.. 

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

National Security Adviser in the Presidency, Sydney Mufamadi headed a South African delegation in Washington last week to lobby the U.S. Congress and Biden Administration amid concerns that South Africa's drift into the Russia-China camp could jeopardise its relationship with the US and other Western trading partners. The Head of Policy Analysis Chris Hattingh told BizNews that South Africa was playing with fire and says buzzwords like non-alignment and neutrality might not be enough for Western nations to continue giving South Africa access to their markets through agreements like the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Foreign affairs journalist Peter Fabricius joins John to chat about President Cyril Ramaphosa's delegation that is currently in the US to persuade Washington not to drop South Africa's trade benefits such as Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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።

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.  

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

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

Listen to this special edition of the Pan-African Journal: Worldwide Radio Broadcast hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. The program will feature our regular PANW report with dispatches on developments in South Africa where negotiations with the United States has resulted in an agreement to continue Pretoria's participation in the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) program after differences surfaced over the importation of US meat products into the country; China and Tanzania are continuing their parternship in the areas of energy production in East Africa; the US is pushing for a resolution surrounding allegations of abuse of civilians by the United Nations peacekeeping forces in the Central African Republic; and the International Criminal Court is continuing its targeting of African leaders through the prosecution of former Democratic Republic of Congo Vice-President Jean Pierre Bemba in the Netherlands. In the second hour we continue our focus on International Women's History Month with a segment on the African American women and work in the US. Also we look at the contributions of anti-slavery warrior Harriet Tubman and early women's rights advocate Mary Church Terrell through a radio drama production first aired in 1948. 

Listen to this special edition of the Pan-African Journal hosted by Abayomi Azikiwe, editor of the Pan-African News Wire. We will feature our regular PANW report with dispatches on developments in the Republic of South Africa involving the suspension of the government from the US-sponsored Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) along with the recent unrest surrounding the parliamentary workers strike in Cape Town; the call for the disarming of the opposition RENAMO group in the Republic of Mozambique; the Zimbabwe state media has announced record production in the tobacco industry as a testament to the successes of the land reform program initiated fifteen years ago; and the United Nations envoy to neo-colonial Libya has been exposed as an operative of the allies of Washington and Wall Street in the region. In the second hour we rebroadcast an interview with Abayomi Azikiwe aired initially on November 2 over Community Public Radio conducted by Don DeBar of CPRMetro.org, discussing the plight of Michigan's political prisoner Rev. Edward Pinkney and its implications in the state of Michigan and throughout the US. Finally we continue our commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the martyrdom of Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik Shabazz). Host Abayomi Azikiwe visited and spoke at the National Workers World Conference last weekend held at the Malcolm X-Dr. Betty Shabazz Cultural and Educational Center in Washington Heights, New York City.