By White House Fellow Martha Esparza MD, Special Assistant Claire Blanton, Trade Research Specialist Lynette Johnson and Director for African Affairs Jeremy Streatfeild
From empowering workers and small business owners to fostering deeper U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa partnerships, AGOA is more than a trade preference program. Since its enactment in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has made a positive difference for millions of Africans and has transformed the way the United States and sub-Saharan Africa interact on trade and economic issues. But just as importantly, AGOA has had enormous convening power, which was on full display during the AGOA Forum last month in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Ambassador Tai leading a discussion with a bipartisan congressional delegation attending AGOA
A committed community of U.S. and African policymakers, civil society, labor, and business leaders gathered under the theme “Beyond 2025: Reimagining AGOA for an Inclusive, Sustainable and Prosperous Tomorrow,” and discussions were focused on how to make the program more effective and responsive. In particular, USTR’s engagement throughout the week was focused on exploring ways the United States and AGOA beneficiary countries can collaborate to drive more inclusion, including by engaging with a broader set of stakeholders. In line with our vision to use trade for the common good, USTR did what it does best – expanding the table to share stories, create connections, and explore substantive inclusive, worker-centered trade policy.
Expanding the Table—African Diaspora, Women, and Community
Ambassador Tai with Dr. Perkins at the White House
To ensure that more people benefit from increased trade, we must expand the table so that those who have been historically left out of the trade policymaking process can help shape our work. That is why USTR partnered with the International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute (IBWPPI) and invited women labor leaders, entrepreneurs, and civil society from across the African Diaspora for a dialogue at the White House. With the goal of connecting and advocating for Black women globally, IBWPPI was an ideal and exciting co-convenor to amplify fresh, important voices on trade.
The U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and IBWPPI President and CEO Barbara Perkins stressed the importance of amplifying more diverse voices from across sectors, especially those of African Diaspora women. They also underscored the importance of reimagining AGOA to better serve the needs of working communities in Africa and elsewhere. Several participants shared how trade has opened doors and how, for generations, women traders have influenced and shaped cultural and economic landscapes. But participants also highlighted barriers that are inhibiting women and underserved groups from enjoying their fair share of economic growth. Throughout the conversation, “kindness” was a common thread as the basis for using AGOA—and broader trade policies—to drive a race to the top for more people across our societies.