Opinion
Enhanced AGOA will benefit both the U.S. and Africa’s economies
There are two compelling reasons for this request:
(i). Various studies by American and African think tanks find that American producers of what are considered politically sensitive agricultural commodities would neither be greatly impacted nor suffer job losses as a result of commodities such as cotton, peanuts, sugar, tobacco, et al receiving AGOA designation. In fact, TRQ experts – David Skully and Kimberly Elliot – have argued that admitting TRQ products into the U.S. under AGOA would lead to greater market access for Africa.
(ii). More importantly, with Africa producing about 2 percent of America’s overall global imports, there’s no doubt that any increase would not have as sizable an impact as many may fear. However, that tiny change in the United States will have a huge positive effect on Africa’s employment, investment and security.
My hope is that during this period of intense legislative activity, AGOA renewal and Africa’s proposals are taken into consideration and given priority. Ultimately, should the United States succeed in the timely renewal and improvement of AGOA, not only shall you have our gratitude; our rapidly expanding middle class will present America’s private sector with the opportunity to supply what will soon be an insatiable market.
Erastus Mwencha has over 30 years experience in Africa’s policy formulation and institutional transformation at national, regional and
continental levels. An ardent regional integration advocate, he actively contributes to Africa’s growth and prosperity by empowering others to
cultivate capacity to achieve economic, social and cultural development.
He was elected Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission in January 2008 by the Heads of State and Government of the African Union’s 54 Member States. In July 2012, he was re-elected to the same position with an overwhelming 98 percent vote count.
During his first tenure as AUC Deputy Chairperson, He placed particular emphasis on supporting continental development agenda and programs as well as strengthening internal institutional systems. For his second term, strategic focus has been placed on upgrading those internal mechanisms; allowing the organization to perform its role in Africa and around the world.
Prior to the African Union, Mwencha worked at Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) for over 25 years and served as Secretary General for ten years. There, he contributed to the transformation of the regional body into a viable regional economic integration entity, with the largest free trade area (FTA) in Africa. He also developed the continental negotiating position for the Doha Round of negotiations of the World Trade Organization, Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), AGOA, and actively supported programs to integrate women in development.
He also held several senior roles within the Ministry of Industry in Kenya.
