President William Ruto announced that Kenya and the United States are collaborating on a strategic trade and investment plan. He made this statement following a meeting with a delegation of US Congress members led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, who were visiting Kenya at State House Nairobi.
“Africa is seeking increased trade and market access to the United States. The African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was introduced 25 years ago and is set to expire next February, has provided a huge market for African finished products.
“Kenya has therefore been urging the US Congress to extend AGOA because it is mutually beneficial to our two countries. Kenya and the US are negotiating a Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership, which will take the relationship between the two countries to the next level,” Ruto said in a statement on X, on Friday, June 21, 2024.
The engagements continued months after President Ruto made a state visit to the US and met with the country’s president, Joe Biden.
AGOA pact
AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) is a trade agreement between the United States and countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Initially legislated and approved by the U.S. Congress in May 2000, its primary objectives are to support the economies of Sub-Saharan Africa and enhance economic relations between the region and the United States.
After its initial 15-year validity period, AGOA was extended for an additional 10 years on June 29, 2015, making its current expiration date in 2025.
In October of last year, the United States expelled Ethiopia, Mali, and Guinea from the AGOA program. This decision was attributed to concerns over human rights violations and political coups in these West African countries.
