Kenyan apparel sector looks beyond AGOA
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). The groups have agreed to collaborate on policy areas that are of mutual interest to members through joint advocacy and information sharing on industry best practice.
Kenya and the US recently expressed interest in expanding trade and investment between the countries. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) currently promotes trade between them, but negotiations to establish a free trade agreement between the two countries began in July 2020; AGOA is scheduled to expire in 2025, although it may be renewed.
“Kenya is a key partner for the apparel and footwear industry and we are excited to formalise an agreement of cooperation,” said Steve Lamar, AAFA chief executive. “Future agreements can be structured to provide an economic boost to apparel and footwear.”
KAM chief executive, Phyllis Wakiaga, said she was excited to sign the memorandum of understanding. “The US market is the most important export market for Kenyan apparel,” she explained. “This partnership will scale up links between KAM and AAFA members and we hope that this will translate into increased trade and investment across our borders.”
Ms Wakiaga said Kenya’s apparel manufacturing capacity had grown over the 20-plus years of AGOA, with Kenya emerging as the largest apparel exporter under the programme.
KAM represents more than 1,300 members across 14 industries, while AAFA represents more than 1,000 brands in the apparel and footwear sector.
