Gov't acts as AGOA exports hit zero

AGOA is a trade arrangement between the US and sub-Saharan African countries, including Botswana, which runs till 2025 and provides relaxed access to the American market.

From a peak of P1.8 billion in AGOA exports by local firms in 2008, the figures have been plummeting over the years as key exporting sectors such as textiles and garments have struggled with a plethora of issues. While the US remains the most lucrative market for local textile players, issues such as scale, capacity, distance, costs, high competition for the American market and government reluctance to keep extending incentives for producers, have led to the closure of some factories and relocation by others.