The Crucial Link: U.S. Congress and the Future of Africa's Apparel Industry
The future of Africa's garment trade, which has seen significant growth under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), depends on the reauthorization of the trade program by the U.S. Congress. With AGOA set to expire in 2025, African governments and industry insiders are calling for an early renewal to capitalize on the opportunity presented by companies looking to reduce their dependence on Chinese manufacturing. However, divisions and dysfunction in the U.S. Congress, as well as the desire to improve AGOA, have raised doubts about its future. Without AGOA, the African apparel industry risks losing out on a once-in-a-generation shift away from China, potentially leading to significant job losses and the collapse of the industry.