The extended African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) could quadruple Africa's textile and apparel exports to the United States (US) to US$4 billion.
Reuters news agency quoted Gail Strickler, assistant United States trade representative for textiles and apparel, as saying: "Ten years is a game-changer. Africa should be able to quadruple its exports, literally without a lot of trouble, creating another 500 000 new jobs."
Last year, US clothing imports from sub-Saharan countries reached US$986 million, up nearly six percent from 2013, as countries such as Lesotho, Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania participated in the Agoa programme.
Reuters cited “analysts” as saying Africa had lower labour costs and abundant raw materials – such as top-quality cotton from Uganda – but congested ports, a poor road network, lack of skills and old technology were a hindrance.
‘Agoa extension could see textile exports quadruple’
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