UNITED STATES: In a statement released on November 1, 2023, President Biden expressed his strong support for the reauthorization of AGOA, which he described as a bedrock for US trade with sub-Saharan Africa. He urged Congress to act in a timely fashion to renew the law beyond 2025 and modernize it for the economic opportunities of the coming decade.
AGOA has played a crucial role in facilitating private-sector-led economic growth across sub-Saharan Africa, diversifying African exports, and enabling the creation of tens of thousands of new, quality jobs in Africa. The benefits of AGOA are felt on both sides of the Atlantic, fostering a more competitive environment for US businesses operating in sub-Saharan Africa.
President Biden is committed to working with Congress and African partners to deepen trade relations between the US and Africa, advance regional integration, and realize Africa’s immense economic potential for mutual benefit. He emphasized that when Africa succeeds, the whole world succeeds, and urged Congress to act swiftly to reauthorize and modernize AGOA.
In conclusion, President Biden’s call for the reauthorization and modernization of AGOA highlights the importance of US-Africa trade relations and the potential for economic growth and job creation in Africa. Congress must act swiftly to renew this landmark law and ensure that the US remains a key partner in Africa’s economic development.