The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was signed into law in May 2000 to expand U.S. trade and investment with Sub-Saharan Africa, stimulate economic growth, promote a high-level dialogue on trade and investment-related issues, encourage economic integration, and facilitate sub-Saharan Africa’s integration into the global economy.

U.S. imports of agriculture, fish, and forestry products from AGOA countries doubled between 2001 and 2010, to $1.2 billion. Major imports from AGOA countries include rubber, cocoa beans, cocoa paste and cocoa butter, sugar, and tree nuts. Currently, more than 98 percent of African exports to the United States enter the country duty free either under AGOA, the Generalized System of Preference, or zero-duty most-favored nation rates. U.S. exports of agriculture, fish and forestry products to AGOA countries reached $2.2 billion in calendar year 2010.
 

2011 AGOA Forum

The annual AGOA forum brings together more than 600 participants from the United States and Africa, including senior government officials and representatives from the private sector and civil society.

• 10^th Annual AGOA Forum: June 8-10, 2011, Zambia
• Information from the U.S. Embassy South Africa Media Hub
• AGOA 2011 Blog (U.S. Department of State)

News

• FAS Acting Administrator Suzanne Heinen To Attend AGOA Forum (06/08/11)
• USDA’s Food for Progress Program Helps African Growth and Opportunity Act Countries Integrate into the Global Economy
  (USDA Blog, 06/06/11)

Background

• Fact Sheet: USDA and the African Growth and Opportunity Act
• Fact Sheet: USDA Programs Help Sub-Saharan African Countries
• AGOA Home Page (U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration)
• AGOA Information from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
• AGOA Information (U.S. Department of State)
• AGOA.info (Trade Law Center of Southern Africa)