SA Advocates for AGOA Extension and Integration with AfCFTA at 21st AGOA Forum

The Minister concluded that both the AGOA Forum and the BRICS+ meeting were crucial for advancing international trade relations and economic cooperation.

At the 21st African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum, South Africa emphasized the need for resetting and strengthening partnerships with a focus on industrialization, building a capable state, and job creation. Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Parks Tau highlighted the importance of the AGOA Forum in reinforcing economic ties between South Africa, the United States, and the broader African continent.

Minister Tau stressed that AGOA plays a vital role in the mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship, evidenced by the presence of over 600 US businesses in South Africa and the creation of more than 1.3 million jobs across sub-Saharan Africa.

Addressing the media in Cape Town, Tau detailed the significant outcomes from recent international engagements, including AGOA and the 14th BRICS+ meeting held in the United States and Moscow, Russia. He reported strong bipartisan support from the US Congress and administration for AGOA's reauthorization.

Key proposals from the South African delegation included extending AGOA for stability, refining rules of origin, and revising the eligibility review process to maintain regional value chains and bolster Africa's manufacturing capabilities. Tau emphasized that AGOA and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) should complement each other to enhance Africa's economic integration rather than operate as separate entities.

"AGOA has significantly improved Africa's access to US markets, while AfCFTA aims to create a unified continental market by eliminating tariffs and fostering economic cooperation among African nations," Tau said. He advocated for aligning AGOA with AfCFTA goals to foster intra-African trade, boost manufacturing, and integrate regional economies into the global market for sustainable growth.

Tau also commended Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield for his skillful facilitation during the AGOA 2025 host nation selection process and acknowledged Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi's representation of South Africa at the BRICS+ Trade Minister's Meeting. The BRICS+ meeting emphasized the need for a fair and predictable trade environment consistent with WTO rules, coordinated action on climate change, and the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in economic growth.

The Minister concluded that both the AGOA Forum and the BRICS+ meeting were crucial for advancing international trade relations and economic cooperation. These engagements reflect South Africa's commitment to transparent and strategic partnerships guided by global policy frameworks like the SDGs, the Paris Climate Accord, the AU's Vision 2063, and the National Development Plan.