Africa, the United States, and the African Growth and Opportunity Act

According to the World Bank and the CIA, six of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa. The future of many African nations looks bright with economic growth expected to continue to be generally robust for the medium term (next 3 to 6 years).

In fact, a forecast by The Economist and IMF for 2011-2015 for African countries shows them pulling ahead of Asian countries in terms of growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

One reason for this optimism is The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was initially signed in 2000, and renewed by the United States (U.S.) Congress 2 months ago for a ten-year term. It offers, on the surface at least, tremendous opportunities to African nations for trade expansion with the U.S.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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