President to officially open 20th Africa Growth and Opportunity Act Forum

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday, 03 November 2023, officially open and deliver the  keynote address at the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum taking place in Johannesburg. 

The AGOA Forum is being hosted in South Africa between, from 2 to 4 November 2023 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre at Nasrec.

The theme for this intergovernmental gathering is “Partnering to Build a Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive AGOA to support Economic Development, Industrialisation and Quality Job Creation". 

The Forum deliberations will be complemented by a “Made in Africa Exhibition" which highlights diverse and thriving industries in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The AGOA Forum, established in terms of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) passed by the US Congress in May 2000, serves as a crucial platform for strengthening economic partnerships between the United States and eligible African states.

The Forum brings together government representatives from the United States and AGOA-eligible countries, alongside key regional economic organisations, the private sector, civil society, and organised labour.

Since its inception in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been pivotal in strengthening economic ties and promoting growth and development across the African continent. AGOA's rigorous eligibility requirements include establishing a market-based economy, upholding the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process.

Discussions during the Forum will primarily focus on enhancing trade and investment ties between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular emphasis on fostering resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth and development.
 
AGOA has surpassed initial expectations, creating job opportunities, promoting investment, facilitating the emergence of new business prospects, and contributing to economic development in beneficiary countries.
 
With AGOA scheduled to expire in 2025, the Forum will among others showcase successful beneficiary stories, deliberate on the challenges hindering the diversification of export sectors, and improving AGOA utilisation.

An extension of AGOA beyond 2025 is expected to promote inward investment in Africa and provide mutual benefits to the United States and African countries. This extension will further support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), covering 54 countries and 1.4 billion people.

Details of the Official Opening of the 20th AGOA Forum are as follows:
Date: Friday, 03 November 2023
Time: 10:15 Opening Keynote Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa
Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre , Johannesburg 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President - media@enquires.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria