africa s better futurelatest news & developments
The trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau. File photo.

No firm commitment for Agoa renewal, minister says

The trade, industry and competition minister Parks Tau led a delegation to the US in the hope of extending the trade pact America has with African countries

International Relations and Cooperations Minister Naledi Pandor. (Photo by Michel Porro/Getty Images)

Pandor says SA values US relationship and hopes bill to review relationship doesn’t pass

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said it would be unfortunate for SA/US relations if the bill comes to pass

Vusimuzi Madonsela, South African Ambassador to the Netherlands, and then Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, prepare to attend a hearing on January 11 and 12 2024 at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). (Photo by Michel Porro/Getty Images)

BREAKING: US congress receives bill to review SA relations following ‘politically motivated’ ICJ case

The bipartisan bill accuses the ANC, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Naledi Pandor of anti-semitic statements

There is strong bipartisan and beneficiary support for making improvements to Agoa.

African Growth and Opportunity Act: Early extension or substantive improvements?

There is good and bad news – strong bipartisan support for improving Agoa and little consensus on what improvements should be made to the Act

Katherine Tai, US trade representative, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Ebrahim Patel, arrive at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum in Johannesburg on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
Photo by Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

US says reciprocal access to duty free still on the cards

Joy Basu said the US wants women owned business to benefit more from Agoa

President Cyril Ramaphosa and minister Ebrahim Patel at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum in Johannesburg on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.  Photo: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

‘Time is of the essence’ as African leaders seek Agoa refinements

During the closing ceremony of the forum, minister Ebrahim Patel reiterated that early renewal of the trade programme was preferable

President Cyril Ramaphosa. Photo: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

United States won’t lower its Agoa human rights standards

South Africa’s eligibility has been called into question, with some US lawmakers citing the country’s stance on Russia and, most recently, Israel and Gaza

Katherine Tai, US trade representative, and president Cyril Ramaphosa at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023. Photo:  Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Agoa must not undermine African free trade, says AfCFTA secretary general

Wamkele Mene said Agoa, which grants eligible African countries duty-free access to US markets, ought to pursue greater alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area

(Graphic: John McCann)

Africa in the next decade is not a singular story

The old trade winds are blowing again and we must take notice, writes editor-in-chief Ron Derby

Africa’s choice should not be limited to East v West but rather to move from dependence to balance through diversified partnerships based in mutual respect and shared benefit. Photo: File

Africa fails to grasp the moment

A lack of cohesion and common vision means the continent has lost clout on the world stage

The world is changing and alliances shifting which presents opportunities for the continent if the citizenry is engaged

Africa’s better future

The world is changing and alliances shifting which presents opportunities for the continent if the citizenry is engaged

Stitch in time: East Africa’s biggest economy, Kenya, exported clothing worth $380 million in 2015, when the US extended Agoa by a decade. Discussions are underway this week to renew the trade agreement once more. Photo: Riccardo Gangale/Getty Images

Africa to leverage East-West battle in Agoa talks

Africa’s stock is rising amid the United States’ efforts to wrestle back economic influence on the continent

A piece from the odAOMO jewellery brand, created by the Kenyan designer (and surgeon) Dr Sophia Omoro. (Quentin Alexander)

African fashion boom’s frayed edges

While the continent’s design talent is in top form, bold policy moves are needed to realise the vast potential of the sector, according to a Unicef report

Making the cut: Nigeriens holding the flags of Burkina Faso and Niger and a sign reading ‘Together we will make it’ take part in a march called by supporters of General Omar Tchiani, who led a coup in Niger earlier this year. After the coup, thousands pledged their support to the military. (Djibo Issifou/Getty Images)

Do coups mean African democracy is under threat?

Many will accept more authoritarianism if it means less poverty. To be secure, democracy must make a difference in people’s lives

AU commissioner Albert Muchanga said reciprocal US access to duty-free African markets would not benefit the continent. (Photo by Arif Hudaverdi Yaman/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Agoa: Africa calling for another 10 years

AU commissioner Albert Muchanga said reciprocal US access to duty-free African markets would not benefit the continent

March past: A Cosatu demonstration in Johannesburg last year. Photo: Papi Morake/Gallo Images/Getty Images

Cosatu: Agoa must support Africa’s industrialisation

Beneficiation growth, decent work, penalties for companies that violate labour laws and ensuring multinational companies pay taxes in Africa are among the issues unions will raise

The US delegation will still be led by the country’s trade representative, Katherine Tai,  supported by congressional staffers and other bureaucrats.  (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

US Congress members bail on Agoa to avoid government shutdown at home

Congress members will stay at home to pass key government spending bills but a senior trade representative will lead a US delegation

South Africa accounts for 54% of all exports to the US under Agoa — a trade law which  gives eligible African countries duty-free access to the US market for thousands of products including clothing, agricultural goods, crafts and manufactured items.

US sets sights on improved Agoa

This week’s Agoa forum will discuss ways to get more out of the trade agreement