Editorial
At Last: An AGOA With Teeth
Yes, along the way, children were abused, factories collapsed and people were/are almost enslaved to capitalism. But because of middle class consumer activism, we now know about child laborers; those countries breaking international labor conventions have been put on notice – and Bangladesh will have better buildings and rights for its garment factory workers. Interestingly, even China has to respond to an activist population in ways it never had to just 10 years ago.
If not for anything, Africa must push for a bigger share of AGOA because any change in foreign direct investments (FDI) and market access WILL take a few more people out of poverty. Unless they are more worried about giving their workers a few more rights, it is imperative that policy makers understand their options.
While the Brookings report provides ample ammunition, we also acknowledge that many African countries have legitimate reasons to protect the status quo. Some worry that if they ask for an improved AGOA like President Obama mentioned on his Africa trip, some in Congress may seek to delay or not renew their program. Or we may see the kind of delays that turn investors and buyers away from African apparel – important to Mauritius and South Africa. However, what is the point of having a dog with big teeth and a ferocious appetite if you cannot feed it the occasional bone?
The Habari Network Editorial Board | July 31, 2013
