Mmegi

US trade deal: What’s AGOA’n on?

Grinding away: Textiles used to be Botswana’s primary exports to the US under AGOA. However, these dropped to zero in previous years, owing to a host of 
challenges in the local sector. Under the new AGOA strategy, companies like KGK Diamonds are exporting diamond jewellery pieces to the world’s biggest economy 
PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Grinding away: Textiles used to be Botswana’s primary exports to the US under AGOA. However, these dropped to zero in previous years, owing to a host of challenges in the local sector. Under the new AGOA strategy, companies like KGK Diamonds are exporting diamond jewellery pieces to the world’s biggest economy PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

AGOA, the US preferential trade agreement with Africa, expires in September, with the continent having failed to secure an early renewal. For Botswana, AGOA, underpins hopes for value added diamond activities such as jewellery manufacturing, writes MBONGENI MGUNI

Congresswoman, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, says in the global competition for economic ties with Africa, the United States is “probably” fourth. This is despite the US, particularly during President Joe Biden’s term, pledging to become Africa’s preferred trade and economic partner.

Africa not only boasts a proven 30% of the world’s critical minerals, but also has the youngest population, fastest democratising countries and more growth potential than most of the world.

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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