The Agoa forum on free trade agreements between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries was recently held in South Africa, drawing attention to the importance of these agreements for the economic development of the region . With the imminent end of the Agoa agreements in 2025, the 35 eligible countries called for a rapid renewal of these agreements and a reform of the eligibility criteria considered too strict.
For three days, trade ministers and their representatives discussed steps needed to reform these agreements, which were put in place in 2000 and offer tariff exemptions on certain products exported to the United States. Ivory Coast, for example, sees in Agoa an opportunity to stimulate its textile sector, considered a key driver of its economy.
However, certain eligibility criteria, such as respect for democracy and human rights, are considered too strict by some countries. Marie-Hélène Mathey Boo, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Washington, stresses that trade and politics do not mix, and that politics should not be a criterion for excluding countries from the Agoa program. According to her, trade promotion can be a key factor in fostering industrialization and development.
The US administration listened to these concerns, but reiterated that it is Congress that has the final say on these issues. Unfortunately, no member of Congress attended the forum in Johannesburg, which raised questions about the real willingness of the United States to support a rapid renewal of the Agoa agreements.
It is clear that the extension of these agreements is crucial for African countries in terms of economic development and the opening of new markets. It is therefore imperative that the eligibility criteria be reformed in a balanced manner, taking into account the political and economic realities of each of the countries concerned. AGOA, if properly implemented, can play a major role in boosting African economies and creating new business opportunities.
In conclusion, it is essential that African countries continue to advocate for a rapid renewal of the Agoa agreements and for a reform of the eligibility criteria. The United States, as a major trading partner, has a crucial role to play in this reform. Constructive dialogue between relevant parties is essential to ensure that sub-Saharan Africa can continue to fully benefit from the benefits offered by the free trade agreement with the United States.