On June 18, WITA and the Wilson Center Africa Program held an event discussing the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and U.S- Africa trade and investment.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons gave featured remarks on the importance of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Africa, and the bipartisan AGOA Renewal and Improvement Act, a bill that would enhance and extend AGOA until 2041.
Following his remarks, an expert panel reflected on the progress of AGOA and lessons for policymakers. They explored steps that could be taken to further expand AGOA access and utilization, as well as integrate AGOA with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to support the development of intra-African supply chains.
Featured Speaker and Openings Remarks:
Chris Coons, U.S. Senator, Delaware
Ambassador Mark A. Green, President & CEO, Wilson Center
Panel Discussion:
Florizelle Liser, President and CEO, Corporate Council on Africa
Kendra Gaither, President, US- Africa Business Center, US Chamber of Commerce
Patrick Utomi, Professor at the Lagos Business School
Sam duPont, Economic Policy Advisor, Office of U.S. Senator Chris Coons
Moderators:
Witney Schneidman, Senior International Advisor, Covington & Burling LLP; Member, Africa Program Advisory Council
Oge Onubogu, Director, Africa Program
For additional information, please see the Wilson Center’s video page.