Apparel and footwear join call for AGOA renewal
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) is one of a group of more than 20 organisations calling for long-term renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The call came ahead of the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC in mid-December.
AGOA’s purpose is to help countries in sub-Saharan Africa grow their economies through preferential trading arrangements with the US. It has been in place since 2000 and was renewed in 2015 for a ten-year period.
“AGOA’s expiration date is less than three years away. September 2025 is no time at all for the continuity, certainty, and commitment needed for our industry’s supply chains to grow and thrive in the region,” said AAFA chief executive, Steve Lamar.
He went on to say that companies are poised to diversify out of China “now more than ever” and said that extending AGOA for a further 10-year period to 2035 would be “incredibly impactful for companies hoping to grow commitments towards a vertical, responsible, and competitive industry in Africa over the next dozen years”.
Mr Lamar said this could be particularly important for enhancing work opportunities for women in Africa.
