Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Lead Paragraph: The African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed his approval following the U. S. House of Representatives’passage of a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Youssouf highlighted the act’s pivotal role in enhancing economic ties between the United States and African economies.
In a statement from Addis Ababa, Mr. Youssouf commended the bipartisan support that led to the House’s overwhelming approval, noting it signifies the U.
S.
‘s continued dedication to fostering trade, investment, and shared prosperity with African nations. He emphasized AGOA’s role as a cornerstone of U.
S.
–Africa economic relations since its inception over two decades ago.
The AUC Chairperson further explained that AGOA has been instrumental in supporting industrialization, job creation, and the development of regional value chains across the continent.
He acknowledged the trade framework’s contribution to strengthening Africa’s position as a reliable and strategic partner in global commerce.
As the legislation advances to the U. S.
Senate, Mr.
Youssouf called for senators to give the extension favorable and timely consideration. He emphasized the importance of upholding the spirit of partnership and shared strategic interests that have long characterized U.
S.
–Africa relations.
The African Union Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating closely with the U.
S. Government, Congress, and other stakeholders to ensure AGOA remains a bridge for economic cooperation and a symbol of enduring friendship between Africa and the American people.
AGOA, which was enacted in 2000, provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the U.
S. Market for thousands of products, playing a key role in trade-led development across the continent.
The Senate’s next steps on the AGOA extension remain to be seen.
The AUC Chairperson’s appeal for support indicates the significance of the act to both U. S. –Africa economic relations and the broader development of the African continent.
