AGOA FORUM 2023 Set to Hold In South Africa

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) 2023 forum is set to be held  in Johannesburg, South Africa between Thursday, November 2 and 4, 2023.

The upcoming trade forum in South Africa will focus on the extension of the program granting duty-free access to U.S. markets for sub-Saharan African countries. 

U.S. trade representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Joy Basu will hold discussions with African leaders and officials in Johannesburg regarding the extension of AGOA and ways to enhance its benefits for African nations. 

This forum follows U.S. President Joe Biden's recent announcement to remove Uganda, Niger, Central African Republic, and Gabon from the list of beneficiaries due to non-compliance with eligibility criteria.

AGOA is a law in the U.S. that grants duty-free entry to the American market for sub-Saharan African nations, on the condition that they fulfill specific requirements, such as upholding the rule of law.

In 2022, South Africa's exports to the United States under AGOA were valued at approximately $3 billion, making it one of the primary beneficiaries of AGOA.

This year, American lawmakers from both political parties questioned South Africa's eligibility to remain part of AGOA due to allegations of supplying arms to Russia during the conflict with Ukraine. They suggested holding the forum in a different country to express concerns about South Africa's close relationship with Moscow. 

However, after an investigation commissioned by President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa was cleared of these allegations. President Ramaphosa is scheduled to speak at the forum on Friday, November 3.