NAIROBI - Norah Nasimiyu knows the future of Kenya's garment trade, which has employed her for 13 years and helped her put six children through school and university, lies in the hands of the U.S. Congress.U.S. officials visiting South Africa this week to meet African trade ministers will face calls to reauthorise the African Growth and Opportunity Act which expires in 2025.
Apparel has been the standout success story of AGOA, which launched in 2000 to help develop African economies and foster democracy. Nearly 80% of companies polled in a July survey by the United States Fashion Industry Association planned to reduce Chinese sourcing over the next two years. More than a dozen U.S. senators are pushing for a quick AGOA renewal arguing the need to"counter the malign influence of China, Russia, and other foreign actors".
More than 80% of duty-free non-petroleum AGOA exports, for example, came from South Africa, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar and Ethiopia.