Political and Economic risk analyst, Marisa Lourenço says it stands to be seen if the US will extend South Africa’s eligibility to the African Growth and Opportunity Act .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 AGOA.
AGOA is a trade agreement that grants South Africa and 30 other African countries duty-free access to the US market. “When we did have the AGOA forum last year, there was an indication that there is a willingness to do that. In April, we saw Senate introduce a Bill to that effect, but nothing is certain yet. In terms of the South African delegation, I think that that is an important sign that South Africa takes its relations with the US very seriously.
I have arrived for the AGOA Forum mission and bilateral engagement. I’ve hit the ground running with a briefing by Ms. Nicole Bivens Collinson and Mr. David Olave. this is to assess developments and issues affecting AGOA and GSP renewal.Minister Parks Tau will lead a South African delegation to the 21st AGOA Forum in Washington, DC, from 24-26 July 2024. The forum will focus on strengthening SA-US economic relations and advocating for early renewal of AGOA legislation.