Why AGOA did not achieve its objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The United States (US) of America and Africa have just concluded its 20th edition of The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year’s Forum was held under the theme, “Partnering to Build a Resilient, Sustainable, and Inclusive AGOA to Support Economic Development, Industrialization and Quality Job Creation”. One of the interesting points of discussion was the looming expiration of AGOA in 2025 that has prompted African policy makers to raise questions around their countries’ future in AGOA, especially in the face of the swiftly changing global geopolitics. And, with Africa throwing more weight and optimism behind its free trade agreement – the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). AGOA is a legislation that was signed into law by the President of United States in May 2000 that has been the cornerstone of US-Africa economic partnership. Its aim is to promote economic cooperation and trade between the United States and eligible sub-Saharan African countries by providing preferential access to the US market. Under Act, eligible African countries can export a range of goods to the United States duty-free or with reduced tariffs. These goods include textiles, apparel, agricultural products, and a variety of other manufactured goods. It has however failed to achieve its intended objectives.